Lebanon marks 20 years since Rafic Hariri killed as power balance shifts

Syrian state media reported that Israel conducted airstrikes near a defence research centre in Damascus and targeted central Syria, resulting in four deaths, according to a monitoring group. Israel stated it struck "military" capabilities in these areas to prevent weapons from reaching jihadist groups. The strikes have been ongoing since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, with Israel also calling for demilitarisation in southern Syria and facing criticism from Western countries for its actions. Full Article

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the seizure of territory in Gaza to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages captured in 2023. Israeli forces have resumed attacks in Gaza, leading to civilian casualties, amid failed negotiations for a new cease-fire. The conflict has displaced over 200,000 people and resulted in more than 50,000 deaths since the war began. Full Article

During the Eid Al-Fitr holiday in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a total of 6.39 million passengers using public transport, taxis, and shared mobility services. The Dubai Metro transported 2.428 million riders, while the Dubai Tram served 111,130 passengers and public buses carried 1.330 million commuters. Additionally, marine transport services recorded 408,991 boardings, and taxis served 1.687 million users, with shared mobility services registering 429,616 riders across various platforms according to the...

Emirates has launched Emirates Courier Express, a global express delivery service using their extensive fleet and network to provide fast and reliable door-to-door shipments. Tested in multiple markets and offering next-day urgent or two-day premium services, the solution aims to reduce transit times and streamline logistics. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, the service is fully digital, easy to integrate, and offers custom shipping options for various industries. Full Article

EU antitrust regulators will decide by May 12 on whether to approve Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC's $17.2bn takeover of German chemicals company Covestro, as part of efforts to reduce oil dependency. The European Commission can clear the deal with or without conditions or open a four-month investigation, potentially under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. ADNOC's bid for Covestro awaits confirmation, following a similar case involving UAE telecoms group e&’s acquisition of Czech telecoms company...

Abdelilah al-Rabea, wearing a helmet and securely strapped into his four-wheel-drive, thrilled a crowd in the Saudi desert with his dune bashing skills near Zulfi. This popular adrenaline-fueled sport attracts spectators from all over the country who witness drivers performing stunts on challenging desert landscapes, showcasing their modified cars and powerful engines. Despite the risks involved, the passion for dune bashing and desert drifting in Saudi Arabia reflects a desire for speed, power, and masculinity,...