Author: Gulf News Week

As the Middle East cements its role as a global business hub, leadership advisor Jürgen Salenbacher argues that visibility and reliability have become the new infrastructure for growth—outweighing even traditional corporate strategy. In an era defined by digital transparency and fractured trust, the concept of personal branding has undergone a radical transformation. No longer confined to the realm of influencers or social media gurus, it has emerged as a critical leadership capability—what one expert calls “strategic infrastructure” for the C-suite. Across rapidly scaling economies, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, executives are discovering that their personal identity and reputation…

Former champions and top seeds survive scares on an action-packed opening day, while Grand Slam winners Ostapenko and Kenin suffer shock defeats. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships lived up to its reputation for unpredictability on Monday, as a host of WTA stars navigated tricky opening-round encounters while several big names, including British favorite Emma Raducanu, were sent crashing out. On a day where seeds largely held firm but offered no guarantees, local resident Paula Badosa delivered a statement win, Belinda Bencic mounted a vintage comeback, and an Indonesian wildcard continued her unlikely dominance over a crowd favorite. Badosa Books Svitolina…

A damning new UN report implicates Libyan authorities in horrific abuses and calls for an immediate halt to boat interceptions that return people to “living nightmares.” Migrants in Libya are being subjected to a campaign of systematic violence, including killings, torture, and abduction, often with the direct complicity of the very authorities meant to uphold the law, the United Nations Human Rights Office said in a devastating report released on Tuesday. The joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) lays bare the grim reality facing those who pass through the conflict-ravaged…

Buoyed by population growth and economic diversification, the UAE market leads the region with double-digit transaction jumps, while analysts predict a shift toward sustainable growth. Gulf property markets are charging into 2026 with remarkable momentum, powered by resilient economic growth and a wave of international investment, with Dubai once again cementing its status as a world leader in rental yields. According to a new outlook from Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), the non-oil sector across the GCC is accelerating following a robust second half of 2025. Increased government spending on infrastructure, combined with expectations of looser monetary policy, is expected to…

Ishan Kishan’s blistering 77 powers India to a 61-run victory in Colombo, securing a Super 8 berth and extending their unbeaten World Cup record over archrivals. COLOMBO – In a high-voltage clash heavy with political symbolism, India delivered a commanding 61-run victory over archrivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday, booking their place in the Super 8 stage while extending their dominance in the sport’s most intense rivalry. The marquee match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium was once again marked by the absence of traditional sporting gestures, with players from both sides refusing to shake hands before and after…

 The discovery of five abducted miners dead near Panuco highlights the government’s struggle to contain a brutal cartel war, as local communities plead for protection and answers. CONCORDIA, Mexico – The bodies of five Canadian-mining employees, discovered in shallow graves in the mountains of Sinaloa, have delivered a devastating blow to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s narrative of a pacified Mexico, exposing the limits of federal power in the face of a relentless cartel war. The 10 workers from Vizsla Silver Corp. were abducted from their worksite near the town of Panuco in late January. While five of the bodies have been identified,…

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…