TRENDING NEWS
On Friday, the budget airline Air Arabia revealed a strategic boost to its Southeast Asian routes, notably increasing the number of flights connecting the United Arab Emirates with Thailand. From October 25, 2026, the airline will add a fourth daily non-stop flight linking Sharjah International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This move raises the airline’s weekly non-stop departures on the Sharjah-Bangkok route to 28, providing more scheduling options for both leisure and business travelers. With four daily flights from Sharjah, Air Arabia is increasing its Bangkok service to meet rising demand across regional commercial corridors.
Air Arabia plans to launch direct flights between Sharjah and Gdansk starting December 14, 2026, establishing a new route linking the UAE with northern Poland. The airline will operate five flights each week connecting Sharjah International Airport and Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport. Flights are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This new route will provide travelers in Poland’s Pomeranian region with a direct air link to Sharjah.
PCR testing support strengthens the international response to Ebola in DR Congo.The World Health Organization will receive the tests through its Hub for Global Health Emergencies Logistics located in Dubai. The WHO will oversee the distribution to various locations involved in the Ebola response. PCR testing enables labs to confirm infections and enhances surveillance around known cases. Confirmed results are used by health teams to make decisions on patient care, isolation, and contact tracing. This latest supply package strengthens laboratory capacity amid ongoing efforts to monitor transmission in multiple provinces and health zones within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During the initial six months of 2026, China’s digital industry generated a total revenue of 20.71 trillion yuan, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Profits rose significantly by 19.3%, reaching 1.79 trillion yuan. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the industry’s profit margin stood at 8.6%, which is 0.7 percentage points higher than the previous year. These figures encompass key segments of China’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
India and Uzbekistan ties enter a broader phase spanning trade, technology, and security. Trade and economic relations played a central role in their discussions. Uzbekistan reported bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% year-over-year growth. Both nations have set an objective to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold over recent years. Currently, there are 14 direct flights per week between the two countries, and four Indian universities are operating in Uzbekistan. Officials agreed to establish a foreign ministers-level mechanism to oversee bilateral commitments. Additionally, a dedicated joint working group will address non-tariff barriers and investment issues. Both countries will revisit further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Focus industries include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture, with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry also on the economic agenda. Agreements Significantly Expand Cooperation Across Several Sectors During the visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These cover areas such as cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. The agreement also involves tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to deepening regional ties. Another accord pertains to diplomatic training, while separate initiatives support archaeological conservation
A 5.1-magnitude quake shook Longchang City in China’s Sichuan Province on Friday, according to data released by the China Earthquake Networks Center. The tremor took place at 1:13 p.m. Beijing time at a depth of 13 kilometers, with its epicenter situated in Neijiang prefecture at 29.23 degrees north latitude and 105.22 degrees east longitude. Emergency agencies promptly launched initial field assessments across the county, with early reports confirming no immediate casualties or structural damages.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo began administering Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani on Thursday, launching a targeted campaign in the capital of Tshopo Province to protect frontline responders. The initiative prioritizes healthcare workers, emergency response teams, and individuals with direct contact with confirmed patients as the country confronts its deadliest recorded Ebola outbreak. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba confirmed that the government deployed an initial supply of the Ervebo vaccine under a compassionate-use framework across impacted eastern provinces to safeguard essential personnel and help disrupt viral transmission chains.
A 5.1-magnitude quake shook Longchang City in China’s Sichuan Province on Friday, according to data released by the China Earthquake Networks Center. The tremor took place at 1:13 p.m. Beijing local time, with a depth of 13 kilometers, and its epicenter situated in Neijiang prefecture at 29.23 degrees north latitude and 105.22 degrees east longitude. Emergency agencies promptly launched initial field evaluations across the county territory, with early assessments indicating no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.
The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 5,021 confirmed cases with 2,378 fatalities as of August 16. This outbreak has affected six provinces and 55 health zones, with a case fatality rate of approximately 47%. It is now the deadliest Ebola outbreak ever documented in the country. WHO and Congo health teams strengthen surveillance amid the expanding Ebola outbreak. According to WHO incident manager Thierno Baldé, the timeline for containment hinges on sustaining adequate staffing, supplies, and operational support. The current response has secured roughly $69.3 million out of the $115 million needed. During a two-week span, health teams added more than 400 treatment beds and dispatched 100 additional epidemiologists along with over 500 community health workers. These teams are tasked with surveillance, contact tracing, case detection, and patient referrals. The effort also depends on ambulances, vehicles, medical supplies, and trained personnel across the affected regions. Transmission has now reached Bas-Uélé, marking it as the sixth province impacted by the outbreak. Ituri remained the primary hub of transmission in mid-August, accounting for most confirmed cases and fatalities. Officials highlighted that many newly identified infections lack any known connection to existing patients, emphasizing the need for faster case detection and contact monitoring. Surveillance efforts have been expanded to identify infections earlier and to facilitate the swift transfer of patients into treatment facilities.
Business
South Korea and African partner nations are set to establish a significant economic cooperation framework centered on artificial intelligence and technology-led growth during the 8th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Ministerial Conference in Seoul. Marking the 20th anniversary of this bilateral platform, the upcoming ministerial gathering will bring together cabinet ministers, development financiers, and industry leaders from the tech sector. Confirmations from officials reveal that Korea Africa will steer a new course in AI digital infrastructure deployment along emerging trade corridors, while reviewing two decades of joint capital investments.
News
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for more precise and equitable visual representations of continental landmasses on world maps. In a vote recorded with support from 107 member states, the assembly focused on cartographic inaccuracies that tend to understate the size of Africa and other equatorial regions of the Global South. UN adopts resolution to correct world map representation as diplomatic delegations take formal action to resolve historical biases embedded within traditional cartographic standards.
The program provides specialized training, technical support, and access to experienced breeding expertise. It also establishes standards related to animal welfare, biosecurity, and responsible management of breeding sites. Emirati houbara breeders gain structured training and technical guidance through IFHC. Selected breeders and their teams will gain access to specialized training delivered by Abu Dhabi Nature Academy. The curriculum includes courses and workshops on ethical houbara breeding, animal welfare, biosecurity protocols, and facility management. Participants who complete the courses will receive certificates, and experts will continue offering technical support throughout their participation in the program.
ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on strengthening the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular emphasis on collaboration with the Kurdistan Region. Both leaders examined potential avenues to enhance cooperation across various sectors and promote regional development. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Abu Dhabi hosts high-level UAE and Kurdistan Region talks on bilateral relations. (Credit – WAM) In addition to bilateral ties, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani addressed regional issues and mutual interests. They underscored the significance of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, stating those objectives should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government confirmed that the conversation included condemnations of recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed support for regional peace and security efforts. This high-level meeting gathered senior figures from the UAE leadership and government. Among the attendees was Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also participated. The gathering underscores ongoing high-level engagement between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region as both parties reviewed cooperation efforts and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East. UAE and Kurdistan Region examine bilateral relations The discussions on Tuesday came after Sheikh Mohamed and
Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Cairo for an official state visit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi greeted Xi at Cairo International Airport on Tuesday. The ceremony was also attended by First Lady Entissar El-Sisi and Peng Liyuan, Xi’s wife. This marks Xi’s first visit to Egypt in ten years, emphasizing high-level discussions focused on strengthening political, economic, and developmental links in Cairo.
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for more precise and equitable visual representations of continental landmasses on world maps. In a vote recorded with support from 107 member states, the assembly focused on cartographic inaccuracies that tend to understate the size of Africa and other equatorial regions of the Global South. UN adopts resolution to correct world map representation as diplomatic delegations take formal action to resolve historical biases embedded within traditional cartographic standards.
Health
Technology
Each year, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency processes approximately 900,000 consumer consultation records through its PIO-NET database. On September 1, the agency revealed plans to expand its anti-fraud efforts by deploying artificial intelligence to identify early warning signs in complaints. The new system will scrutinize language used in reports, patterns of solicitation, and similarities with previous cases. Its goal is to detect signs of malicious schemes and problematic enterprises sooner by leveraging existing consumer data collected nationwide.
Travel
On Friday, the budget airline Air Arabia revealed a strategic boost to its Southeast Asian routes, notably increasing the number of flights connecting the United Arab Emirates with Thailand. From October 25, 2026, the airline will add a fourth daily non-stop flight linking Sharjah International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This move raises the airline’s weekly non-stop departures on the Sharjah-Bangkok route to 28, providing more scheduling options for both leisure and business travelers. With four daily flights from Sharjah, Air Arabia is increasing its Bangkok service to meet rising demand across regional commercial corridors.
Exterior view of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi entrance plaza on Saadiyat Island. (Credit – WAM) The museum’s architecture features 30 indoor galleries with 11,600 square metres dedicated to exhibitions, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor display zones. A central atrium connects these spaces, with the skyline defined by ten sculptural cones—nine clad in stainless steel mesh and one finished in onyx and glass. These cones, reaching up to 88 metres high, serve functional purposes beyond their visual appeal, capturing breezes and providing shade through passive cooling methods suited for the desert environment. The complex also includes a dedicated art and technology centre, specialized educational facilities for children, archives, a research library, and a state-of-the-art conservation lab.
Nearly 2 million international visitors arrived in Republic of Korea in June alone, propelling the total number of foreign travelers entering the country in the first six months past a significant threshold. Data released by Emirates News Agency confirmed that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals exceeded 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth from key regional source markets. Statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism indicate that 1.99 million foreigners visited Korea in June, representing a 23.1 percent rise compared to the same month last year. This strong monthly increase brought the cumulative first-half figure to 10.71 million visitors, a 21.3 percent growth from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.
South Korea’s travel account posts surplus for 3rd consecutive month in May as foreign visitor numbers increase nationwide The post South Korea travel account posts surplus for 3rd month in May appeared first on Gulf Daily Report: The Gulf’s daily news, fully reported..