Author: Gulf News Week

UN reports mass departure from facility holding families of militants; Damascus plans to move remaining residents to Aleppo following government takeover from SDF. DAMASCUS – The population of Al-Hol camp, the sprawling Syrian detention center long synonymous with the humanitarian aftermath of the Islamic State group’s rule, has plummeted in recent weeks as the new government in Damascus moves to empty the facility and relocate the remaining families. The development comes on the heels of a major security operation, with Syrian government forces capturing the camp from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Jan. 21. The takeover ended nearly a…

 The luxury carrier pledges a $1.5 billion economic boost and establishes a Centre of Excellence, reinforcing the kingdom’s position as a regional aviation hub. Manama, Bahrain – In a major boost to the kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, Bahrain has officially signed an agreement with premium leisure airline beOnd to launch a new carrier, promising a significant infusion of jobs and investment. The deal, announced on Monday, will see beOnd establish a full-service airline based in Bahrain. The venture is projected to contribute between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP over its first five years of operation and create…

Foreign investors now account for 66% of license bidders as active exploration companies surge from six to 226, unlocking SR9.4 trillion in estimated mineral wealth. JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is witnessing explosive growth, with the issuance of new exploitation licenses skyrocketing by 220 percent in 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced, signaling robust investor confidence in the Kingdom’s untapped geological wealth. The ministry issued 61 new mining and small-mine exploitation licenses over the past year, a dramatic leap from just 19 permits in 2024. These new projects represent a combined investment exceeding SR44 billion ($11.7 billion)…

Blues boss returns to MKM Stadium in style with dominant 4-0 win; teenage sensation Estevao Willian also on target in fourth-round thrashing. KINGSTON UPON HULL – Pedro Neto delivered a masterclass in finishing, scoring a superb hat-trick to lead Chelsea to a dominant 4-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round, on an emotionally charged night for Blues manager Liam Rosenior at the MKM Stadium. Facing the club that sacked him two years ago, Rosenior watched his revitalized Chelsea side produce a ruthless attacking display to ease into the fifth round. The win extends the new boss’s impressive…

 AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf delivers blistering address on Palestine, overshadowing summit’s official theme of water sanitation amid continental crises. ADDIS ABABA – The chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, delivered a powerful rebuke of the war in Gaza on Saturday, declaring that the “extermination” of the Palestinian people must end as he opened the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU. Addressing heads of state and government from the organization’s 55 member nations in the Ethiopian capital, Youssouf placed the ongoing Middle East conflict at the moral center of his inaugural address. “In the Middle East, Palestine…

Main rival Jamaat-e-Islami challenges “integrity of the process” in election that barred ousted premier Hasina’s party from polls. Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared a resounding victory in the country’s first general election since the 2024 uprising, positioning its leader, Tarique Rahman, to become the next prime minister. However, the main opposition coalition has rejected the preliminary results, alleging serious irregularities in the vote-counting process. While the Election Commission has yet to release final official figures, local media projections on Friday painted a picture of a decisive mandate for the BNP. Broadcasters estimated the party had secured…

USS Gerald R. Ford rerouted from Caribbean to join USS Abraham Lincoln as Trump warns Tehran of ‘traumatic’ consequences without nuclear deal WASHINGTON – The United States has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East—positioning two carrier strike groups in the region as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Iran to reach a nuclear agreement. The move, confirmed by a person familiar with the plans speaking on condition of anonymity, follows Trump’s warning Thursday that failure to strike a deal with his administration would be “very traumatic”…

Hollywood star samples corndogs and Nutella-Biscoff pancakes; opens up about grief for late co-star Andre Braugher DUBAI – Terry Crews is no stranger to the UAE. But his latest visit came with extra toppings—and a touch of heartache. The ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star was spotted enjoying a relaxed family evening at Global Village, Dubai’s sprawling cultural destination, sampling street food and soaking in the atmosphere with his wife and daughters. A video posted by his daughter Tera Crews has since gone viral, capturing the actor in full deadpan charm. Crews bites into a Jinju corndog, arches his eyebrows—that signature expression fans know…

British raiders The Fingal Raven and Hawksbill face draw tests; Chantal Sutherland makes emotional comeback aboard Laasudood DUBAI – The world’s richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup, commands global attention in Riyadh on Saturday. But first, Friday night at Meydan delivers its own compelling drama—one built on Dubai Racing Carnival ambitions, transcontinental rivalries, and a jockey’s remarkable return from career-threatening injury. With several Saudi contenders expected to reroute to Dubai for the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28, the Carnival rolls on with an eight-race Longines-sponsored card. Racing fever is tangible, and Meydan is…

Qi2 wireless pads, retractable-cable wall chargers, and travel-ready power banks roll out across UAE and Saudi Arabia SHARJAH – UGREEN has expanded its charging accessory portfolio across the Middle East, positioning itself to capture surging demand from consumers who now routinely power multiple devices—smartphones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and laptops—simultaneously. The rollout arrives ahead of the anticipated launch of Samsung’s next-generation flagship smartphones, a peak period for accessory upgrades. Industry analysts note that professionals and frequent travelers in particular are driving demand for higher-output, multi-device charging solutions that do not compromise on safety or portability. What’s New UGREEN’s latest regional lineup spans…