Dubai Metro keeps fueling the residential and commercial boom

SEOUL, September. 09 (AJP) - Over the last 15 years, Dubai’s Metro has evolved beyond simple transportation, becoming a driving force behind the city's growth and livability, particularly in emerging areas. The rapid development of new residential and commercial hubs highlights this transformation, with the Metro playing a central role. A report by consultancy CBRE notes that developments with strong urban infrastructure and proximity to the Metro are outperforming other

September 9, 2024

Netanyahu insists on Israeli control of strategic Gaza border area

SEOUL, Sept. 06 (AJP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israeli forces will remain in the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical area in southern Gaza along the Egyptian border. Speaking to international journalists, Netanyahu stated he is "open" to considering alternatives to Israeli military presence in this region as part of a future ceasefire deal, but he does not see such options materializing in the near future. Netanyahu emphasized that I

September 6, 2024

Dubai to welcome the world's second tallest skyscraper

SEOUL, Sept. 06 (AJP) - Dubai, already home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, will soon welcome the second tallest with the construction of Burj Azizi. The project began in January, though its exact height remained undisclosed until authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), approved it. Recently, Azizi Developments confirmed that Burj Azizi will rise to an impressive 725 meters (2,379 feet), making it the second tallest building in Dubai, just behind

September 6, 2024

Saudi Arabia cancels fees for tourism licenses to boost investment

SEOUL, Sept. 05 (AJP) - Saudi Arabia has announced the immediate cancellation of fees for issuing commercial licenses for hotels, hotel apartments, and residential resorts. This decision is part of the Tourism Investment Enabler Program, launched in March to position the kingdom as a global leader in tourism, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support, noting

September 5, 2024

Turkey, Egypt strengthen diplomatic relations amid Gaza war talks

SEOUL, Sept. 05 (AJP) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Ankara to discuss the Gaza war and work on mending their long-strained relations, marking the first presidential visit between the two countries in 12 years. Tensions between Turkey and Egypt escalated in 2013 after Sisi, then Egypt's military chief, ousted President Mohamed Mursi, a Turkish ally. However, ties began improving in 2020 when Turkey initiated diplomatic effort

September 5, 2024

Etihad's A380 lands in Mumbai for 20th anniversary of its India operations

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (AJP) - Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, marked its 20th anniversary of flying to India by landing its iconic Airbus A380 in Mumbai last week. This event kicks off the airline's celebrations, with the A380 set to operate on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route for a limited period. There will be three weekly flights until Dec. 31, as announced in a statement on Tuesday. The use of the A380 on this route commemorates two decades since Etihad's inaugural f

September 4, 2024

Lebanon's former central bank chief arrested over financial crimes

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (AJP) - Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, has been detained following a hearing at the country's judicial palace, according to state media. It is reported that public prosecutor Judge Jamal al-Hajjar ordered the arrest of the 73-year-old Salameh after questioning him on Tuesday. This is the first time Salameh has appeared before Lebanon's judiciary since stepping down as governor of the central bank, Banque du Liban, in July last year.

September 4, 2024

Nationwide protests erupt in Israel over Gaza captives' deaths

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (AJP) - Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets demanding a ceasefire and Israel's largest labor union has called for a strike after six more captives were found dead in Gaza. Clashes occurred between protesters and security forces on Sunday night during one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the Gaza conflict began nearly 11 months ago. Protesters urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas to secure

September 2, 2024

Bahrain introduces new tax on multinational corporations

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (AJP) - Starting in January, Bahrain will introduce a new tax on multinational corporations operating in the country as part of its alignment with global tax reforms. Under the domestic minimum top-up tax (DMTT), multinational companies will be required to pay a minimum 15-percent tax on profits generated in Bahrain, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA). This tax will specifically target large multinational corporations with global revenues exceeding €750 m

September 2, 2024

Macklemore cancels Dubai show to protest UAE's alleged role in Sudan conflict

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - American rapper Macklemore has decided to cancel his October concert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to the country's alleged involvement in the conflict in Sudan. He explained that for months, people had been urging him to cancel the show as a gesture of solidarity with the Sudanese people and to boycott the UAE for its alleged role in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region. Macklemore specifically pointed to reports of the

August 30, 2024