Author: Gulf News Week
As agentic AI becomes integral to Gulf operations, experts outline a comprehensive strategy to protect autonomous systems against rising threats. The rapid integration of agentic artificial intelligence across Middle Eastern industries—from healthcare and finance to public services—marks a significant shift in the region’s technological landscape. With Gartner forecasting that 33% of enterprise applications will embed agentic capabilities by 2028, Gulf nations are not only adopting AI but positioning themselves as global leaders in its deployment. However, this transformation brings unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, requiring a new approach to protecting what experts now refer to as the “AI agent workforce.” Navigating Sovereignty…
AlHind Air secures Indian regulatory approval, to start with ATR fleet and later introduce Airbus A320 for Middle East routes DUBAI: The AlHind Group, a Dubai-based travel and tourism conglomerate, has received regulatory approval to launch AlHind Air – a new domestic airline in India that plans eventual expansion to the UAE and other international destinations. The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the carrier, clearing the first major hurdle toward operational launch. The approval comes amid efforts to increase competition in India’s aviation sector following recent mass flight cancellations by existing carriers. From Travel Agency…
Wembanyama, Fox lead San Antonio to eighth straight win; Knicks complete epic comeback and Rockets roll past Lakers in holiday slate. The San Antonio Spurs delivered a defining Christmas Day performance, defeating the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 to extend their winning streak to eight games. The victory marks the Spurs’ third win over the Thunder this season, solidifying their status as a formidable challenger. Despite coming off the bench, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points. Oklahoma City, which started the season 24-1, has now lost…
SDF Commander Abdi commits to political integration with Damascus, but decentralization demands and Turkish warnings complicate the path forward. DAMASCUS — The commander of Syria’s Kurdish-led forces stated on Thursday that “all efforts” are being made to save a stalled political deal with the central government, following recent deadly clashes that threatened to derail the fragile negotiation process. Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), reaffirmed his commitment to a March agreement with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The deal aims to integrate the Kurds’ semi-autonomous administration in the northeast into the Damascus government. “All efforts are being made to…
Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Multiple Trials; Separate Insurrection Charge Carries Potential Death Penalty SEOUL — Prosecutors on Friday requested a 10-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to his 2024 declaration of martial law. The case stems from Yoon’s controversial order on December 3, 2024, which temporarily suspended civilian rule and triggered nationwide protests and a parliamentary crisis. The Constitutional Court removed him from office in April. In the current trial, prosecutors accused Yoon of obstruction of justice, alleging he excluded cabinet members from a key martial law meeting and later blocked…
Interior Ministry says the raid killed Mohammed Shahadeh, describing him as one of ISIL’s senior commanders in Syria.Syrian authorities say security forces have carried out a second operation against ISIL (ISIS) fighters near Damascus, killing a senior figure described as the group’s governor of Hauran.In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Interior said the raid killed Mohammed Shahadeh, also known as Abu Omar Shaddad, calling him one of ISIL’s senior commanders in Syria and a direct threat to local security.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israel says member of Iran’s IRGC among several killed in Lebanon strikeslist…
Celebrated director of ‘Jenin, Jenin’ documentary leaves behind legacy of artistic resistance.Acclaimed Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri has died in northern Israel, ending a five-decade career that established him as one of the most influential voices in Palestinian cinema.Bakri died on Wednesday at Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya after suffering from heart and lung problems, hospital officials said.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Israel says member of Iran’s IRGC among several killed in Lebanon strikeslist 2 of 2Pope Leo laments suffering of Gaza Palestinians in first Christmas sermonend of listHis passing removes a towering figure whose work…
Four Palestine Action members are continuing hunger strikes in the UK, following a protest practice with a long history — from Ireland and India to South Africa and Guantanamo.Four members of the advocacy group Palestine Action have pledged this week to continue their hunger strike amid grave medical warnings and the hospitalisations of their fellow protesters.The group’s members are being held in five prisons in the United Kingdom over alleged involvement in break-ins at a facility of the UK’s subsidiary of the Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems in Bristol and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. They are protesting…
Raids across Istanbul seize weapons as authorities seek 22 remaining suspects still at large.Turkish security forces have disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations after arresting more than 100 suspected ISIL (ISIS) operatives in Istanbul, officials said.Authorities conducted raids across 124 locations on Thursday, apprehending 115 suspects they were seeking, the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office said in a statement.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Syria says key ISIL leader captured near Damascuslist 2 of 2Aleppo clashes expose hurdles in SDF’s integration into Syrian armyend of listThe operation came after police received intelligence that ISIL members were…
Global wars are ‘leaving behind rubble and open wounds’, pontiff says.Pope Leo has decried conditions for Palestinians in Gaza in his first Christmas sermon as pontiff, in an unusually direct appeal during what is normally a solemn, spiritual service on the day Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.Leo, the first American pope, said on Thursday that the story of Jesus being born in a stable showed that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among the people of the world.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘Half joy, half sadness’: Christmas celebrations resume in Bethlehemlist 2…