TRENDING NEWS
South Korea’s outbound shipments increased by 68.7% year-on-year in August, reaching a total of $98.25 billion, driven by ongoing global demand for high-performance memory chips and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Official data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources showed that imports grew 22.5% to $63.51 billion during the same period, resulting in a monthly trade surplus of $34.75 billion. Exports of semiconductors surged 209% year-on-year to a record high of $46.65 billion, while computer product exports jumped 419.5% to $6.24 billion. Energy and chemical sectors also contributed positively to the overall figures, with petroleum product exports rising 65.3% and petrochemical exports increasing 12.2%.
In July 2026, Japan achieved record-high values for both imports and exports within a single month, driven by increased energy expenses and robust demand for technology products. Imports escalated by 27.8% year-over-year to approximately 12.15 trillion yen. Exports also grew, rising 23.2% to about 11.51 trillion yen. The Ministry of Finance announced a trade deficit of 634.5 billion yen, as import growth outpaced overseas shipment expansion during the period.
U.S. stocks gained as lower long-term Treasury yields eased pressure on major indexes. A substantial part of the session’s momentum was driven by the bond market following the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement of increased liquidity support buybacks for longer-term debt. Starting September 9, the maximum purchase size will be raised to at least $4 billion per operation from $2 billion. This increase applies to nominal coupon securities with maturities in the 10-to-20-year and 20-to-30-year ranges. The department indicated that these larger purchases will continue through November 4, following strong volumes of high-quality offers. Following the announcement, Treasury yields declined as bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year yield fell to approximately 4.65%, while the 30-year yield decreased to about 5.20%. On Tuesday, the 30-year yield reached 5.337%, its highest point since 2007. The decline in yields eased some of the pressure that higher borrowing costs had exerted on equities. This movement also contributed to Wall Street’s recovery from earlier losses in the week.
Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have claimed at least 12 lives and left 54 people injured during a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition after suffering burns and requiring intensive medical attention. The fires have spread across several northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations around forested communities and nearby residential zones.
In July 2026, South Korea welcomed a total of 2,093,223 international visitors, signaling a robust rebound in global tourism. This monthly figure reflects a 20.8% increase compared to the 1,733,199 arrivals recorded in July 2025. Additionally, it surpasses the July 2019 level by 44.6%, prior to the pandemic’s impact on international travel.
Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday after experiencing losses exceeding 2% in the previous session. Brent crude increased by 27 cents to reach $92.44 a barrel at 0330 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed 37 cents to $85.38. This upward movement came after a six-day rally that was followed by a broad market pullback in energy assets on Monday.
Alibaba Group has announced an HK$80 billion share placement aimed at boosting its investments in artificial intelligence and cloud technology. The firm will issue 710 million new ordinary shares at HK$112.70 each, translating to roughly US$10.2 billion based on current exchange rates. The transaction is anticipated to close by Aug. 26, contingent upon standard closing procedures. The company plans to direct the raised funds toward expanding its AI-related initiatives.
PanStar Acro is carrying commercial cargo on South Korea’s Arctic shipping trial. The vessel is transporting a total of 837 TEU, of which 737 TEU consist of commercial freight. Its cargo includes chemical substances, used vehicles and automotive parts, along with 100 empty containers. Managed by PanStar Line and supported by government agencies, the ship’s journey through Arctic waters is scheduled to begin around August 30. The Arctic segment spans approximately 6,400 kilometers, with the schedule indicating completion around September 7. After traversing the Arctic zone, PanStar Acro will proceed to three ports in Europe. Its first stop is Felixstowe in Britain on September 9, followed by Rotterdam on September 11. The vessel is then expected to arrive at Gdansk on September 15. The return voyage to South Korea will follow the same northern corridor, with the Busan-to-Rotterdam route covering roughly 13,000 kilometers, in contrast to the approximately 20,000 kilometers via the Suez Canal. Commercial freight challenges Arctic shipping route South Korean authorities prepared the vessel and crew for the demanding conditions expected during the northern passage. Training for polar navigation was completed prior to departure, with officers receiving specialized instruction for Arctic waters. An experienced polar navigator, previously with the Araon icebreaking research vessel, joined as chief officer. Insurance, emergency protocols, and international administrative procedures were also addressed, with a 24/7 communications system established to maintain contact throughout the Arctic
Residents from various northern communities felt the ground shaking during the early morning hours. Pakistan earthquake near Sost triggers landslides and rockfalls across Upper Hunza. Affected districts include Hunza and Nagar, with Chipurson Valley in Upper Hunza experiencing some of the most evident ground effects. Communities surrounded by steep mountain slopes evacuated their homes as the tremors moved through the area. Landslides and falling rocks followed in certain parts of the valley. A rockfall blocked the Chipurson Valley road near Ramanji, disrupting local access. This route connects remote settlements in a region where mountain roads are essential links between villages and larger population centers. Initial assessments by authorities confirmed no fatalities or injuries from the main earthquake. No confirmed structural damages were reported at that time. The primary impact on local infrastructure consisted of rockfalls and landslides. The Gilgit-Baltistan administration closely monitored the affected areas and road conditions after the tremors. Officials also checked access to settlements where debris had reached mountain routes. This seismic activity adds to a series of significant earthquakes that have impacted northern Pakistan in 2026, which has seen multiple tremors during the year. Rockfalls Disrupt Roadways in Upper Hunza The earthquake’s epicenter was near Sost, a town situated on the Karakoram Highway corridor in northern Pakistan. Sost lies south of the Khunjerab Pass and serves as a gateway for communities across Upper Hunza. The Khunjerab route connects Pakistan with China
Business
South Korea’s outbound shipments increased by 68.7% year-on-year in August, reaching a total of $98.25 billion, driven by ongoing global demand for high-performance memory chips and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Official data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources showed that imports grew 22.5% to $63.51 billion during the same period, resulting in a monthly trade surplus of $34.75 billion. Exports of semiconductors surged 209% year-on-year to a record high of $46.65 billion, while computer product exports jumped 419.5% to $6.24 billion. Energy and chemical sectors also contributed positively to the overall figures, with petroleum product exports rising 65.3% and petrochemical exports increasing 12.2%.
News
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.
India-Russia cooperation stays in focus across trade, energy, defence and diplomacy. The leaders evaluated progress in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that links India and Russia, with their governments working together across sectors such as defense, civil nuclear energy, space, trade, and technology. Bilateral economic relations have grown notably in recent years, driven by energy trade and other commercial exchanges. Both nations actively utilize established mechanisms to address issues related to investment, payments, transportation, and market access. During their Kyrgyzstan meeting, Modi and Putin deliberated on these areas while assessing the overall state of their relationship. Results from the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation were warmly received by the leaders. This commission convened in Moscow on August 24. The two countries aim to achieve $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. According to Indian government data, bilateral trade reached $59.86 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with Russian exports to India accounting for a larger portion—highlighting the importance of energy and other commodities in their economic partnership.
According to a recent United Nations report, nearly 19% of children worldwide now live in conflict zones, a significant increase from close to 10% in the 1990s. The assessment highlights that conflict, forced displacement, climate-related threats, and digital abuse continue to endanger millions of young lives. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, authored this latest review for the 81st UN General Assembly, reflecting on over twenty years of progress since the landmark UN study on violence against children.
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
Health
Technology
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.
Travel
In July 2026, South Korea welcomed a total of 2,093,223 international visitors, signaling a robust rebound in global tourism. This monthly figure reflects a 20.8% increase compared to the 1,733,199 arrivals recorded in July 2025. Additionally, it surpasses the July 2019 level by 44.6%, prior to the pandemic’s impact on international travel.
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..
Australians travel advice Middle East conflict alerts rise as federal authorities urge citizens to leave high-risk Gulf zones. The post Australians travel advice Middle East conflict raised by DFAT appeared first on Gulf Daily Report: The Gulf’s daily news, fully reported..