Archives for April, 2023

New UAE-Canada flight agreement boosts Emirates capacity by 40% 

Emirates said it will add two flights per week between Dubai and Toronto to serve its large number of travelers starting April 20.

Gulf

CIA director visited Saudi Arabia, aired 'frustration' over Iran, Syria thaw

The CIA director met the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and reportedly expressed displeasure with Washington being "blindsided" over agreements brokered by China and Russia.

Gulf

Russia threatens to scrap Ukraine grain deal

Agence France-Presse

The Guptas: The brothers at the heart of South Africa's graft storm

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Israel, Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to avoid confrontation, but for how long?

After two days of rockets first from Gaza and then from the Lebanese border, tensions seem to have calmed, at least temporary.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

French top diplomat in rare meeting with Iran counterpart in Beijing

Agence France-Presse

S.Africa anger after UAE refuses to extradite graft-accused brothers

Agence France-Presse

Two women killed in West Bank shooting: Israel army

Agence France-Presse

Two Israelis killed, third in critical condition in West Bank attack

On the backdrop of growing tensions and fire exchange on both the Gaza and Lebanon borders, two Israelis were killed at a shooting attack in the Jordan Valley region.

Israel

Analysis

Middle East unlikely to slow down on AI, ChatGPT rollout

Astra Tech, backed by Abu Dhabi AI company G42, said it created the first Arabic language ChatGPT last Wednesday. Also this week, the number of signatories of the open letter increased more than sixfold since last Monday’s 3,000, highlighting the growing concern about unregulated AI. 

By Salim A. Essaid

UN ship due to prevent Yemen oil spill departs for Red Sea

Agence France-Presse

May 8 launch for private mission to ISS with Saudi astronauts

Agence France-Presse

Russia's Lavrov in Turkey to discuss Syria, Caucasus, possible Putin visit

Ankara is eager to see Lavrov's visit followed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip on April 27 to inaugurate Turkey's first nuclear power plant, built and financed by a subsidiary of Russia's nuclear energy firm Rosatom.

Turkey

Analysis

Yorkshire cricket club is latest UK team to seek Middle East investment

Experts see a growing trend in Middle Eastern investors wanting to get involved in British sports, as countries in the region diversify their economies.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Israeli PM mobilises army, police reserves after deadly attacks

Agence France-Presse

Protests as Sudan marks key anniversary

Agence France-Presse