Business
– Microsoft said on Monday it is offering voluntary buyouts to a wide range of employees as it balances a costly artificial intelligence infrastructure build-out with capital efficiency. The new voluntary exit offer covers certain workers in the United States,
– South Korea posted the second-largest current account surplus among major economies in the second quarter, exceeding the combined surpluses of Germany and Japan. The country’s surplus reached $116.63 billion in the April-June period, according to central bank data reported
– Trade between Russia and Oman grew 22-fold in the first seven months of 2026 to reach $1.5 billion, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said. He gave the figures on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with
– Japan recorded a trade deficit of 536.6 billion yen in September as imports grew faster than exports, preliminary data from the Ministry of Finance showed. Exports rose 16.7% from a year earlier to 10.9723 trillion yen. Imports climbed 18.9%
– South Korea’s exports more than doubled from a year earlier in the first 20 days of October, reaching $61.6 billion on record semiconductor shipments. The Korea Customs Service released the data on Wednesday. Average daily exports, measured by working
– Brent crude touched $110 a barrel on Friday for the first time since May as escalating Middle East tensions raised fears of tighter supplies. Brent futures for December delivery settled $3.94, or 3.7%, higher at $109.86, the highest close
– Remittances from Egyptians working abroad rose 27.2% in the first eight months of 2026 to a record $33.9 billion. The Central Bank of Egypt reported the figures on Tuesday, October 13. Inflows stood at $26.6 billion during the same
– Oman’s total electricity production rose 4.3% year on year through August 2026, reaching 37,481.8 gigawatt-hours. Output stood at 35,935.3 GWh during the same period of 2025. Preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information showed growth across
– Foreign capital inflows into Indonesia’s financial markets reached Rp131.1 trillion, about $7.33 billion, through early October 2026. Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara announced the cumulative figure during the government’s monthly state budget briefing in Jakarta. The Finance Ministry said government
– The African Union officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, or AfCRA, in Mauritius on October 7. The new institution will focus on African sovereigns, companies and other issuers. AfCRA plans to provide independent credit assessments using African data,
News
– At least 16 people were killed and more than 300 homes collapsed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Tibet on Thursday night, according to Xinhua News Agency. Citing the emergency management office in Nagqu, Xinhua said dozens of people
– Pakistan has imposed governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the federal cabinet’s recommendation. The decision transfers control of provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Prime Minister Shehbaz
– Pakistan represents about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region. The World Bank reported the figure in its October 2026 regional economic update. The lender measured poverty using the
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s water governance experience as a useful reference for countries across the Global South. He shared an article on October 6 that reviewed reforms developed first in Gujarat and later expanded through national
High-level diplomatic consultations between Washington and Abu Dhabi advanced defense cooperation and Middle East de-escalation strategies as UAE President receives Senator Joni Ernst for bilateral talks at Qasr Al Shati palace. Official briefings confirmed that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, in Abu Dhabi to evaluate bilateral ties and expand intergovernmental cooperation. During the high-level meeting at Qasr Al
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined a meeting convened by U.S. President Donald Trump in New York on September 22. The talks brought together leaders and senior officials from Arab and Islamic
Sports
Apple is expanding its Apple Arcade subscription service with a slate of new titles and major updates launching throughout September. Headlining the lineup is NFL Retro Bowl ’26, which debuts exclusively on the platform on September 4. Developed by New Star
The 47th edition of the Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) commenced on Thursday in the Russian capital, opening a week-long program that will spotlight 200 films representing 50 countries and regions. The festival, one of the oldest in the world, runs through
The investigation into Matthew Perry’s tragic overdose has resulted in charges against five individuals, including three medical professionals and one assistant, linked to the actor’s untimely death. The group of accused also encompasses Jasveen Sangha, known colloquially in the industry as the
In a striking display of box office dominance, Ranbir Kapoor’s latest film “Animal” is poised for an unprecedented opening. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his intense storytelling, “Animal” has sparked a significant surge in advance bookings. This excitement not only
“The Equalizer 3” tops $100 million at the global box office in just its second weekend, boasting a formidable total of $107.6 million. This impressive figure includes $61.8 million from the US and a commendable $45.8 million internationally making the
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Jaguar unveiled the production Type 01 in New York on October 6, marking a major product launch for the British luxury brand. The four-door electric grand tourer is the first production Jaguar based on the dedicated Jaguar Electric Architecture. It
Japan’s new car sales rose 1.8% in the first half of 2026, marking a second straight first-half gain for the domestic auto market. Automakers sold 2,387,189 new vehicles from January through June, including minivehicles. The increase followed a stronger second
Porsche has presented a one-off 911 GT3 RS created through its Sonderwunsch programme, combining the track-focused sports car with a bespoke design treatment inspired by haute couture. The vehicle is finished in Macadamiametallic from the Paint to Sample range and
SEOUL: Mercedes-Benz on Monday unveiled the all-new electric C-Class at a world premiere in Seoul, introducing the first battery-electric version of one of its best-known sedan nameplates and placing one of the brand’s core products into the premium EV market. The launch
MENA Newswire, ATLANTA: Mercedes-Benz USA has unveiled the 2027 S-Class Sedan as a major update to its flagship luxury sedan, adding new lighting signatures, a revised cabin technology stack and expanded personalization choices. The automaker said the model introduces an illuminated front grille
MENA Newswire, DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 119,000 vehicles in the United States after federal safety regulators said a defect in certain engine block heaters can raise the risk of an under-hood fire when the heater is plugged in. The recall
Luxury
MENA Newswire News Desk: The personal luxury goods market, long seen as resilient against economic uncertainty, is witnessing a significant contraction for the first time since the Great Recession. According to Bain & Company’s annual luxury report, global sales are
Rolex introduces the latest addition to its esteemed collection with the unveiling of the new Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea model. Breaking tradition, this iteration marks the first-ever presentation of the divers’ watch in 18 ct yellow gold. Sporting a distinctive 60-minute
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, a beacon of horological prestige, marries the elegance of 18 ct gold or 950 platinum with groundbreaking innovation. Since its launch in 1956, it has stood out as the first wristwatch to display both the date and
The 53rd edition of the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show, unveiled its treasures on January 31st in Sharjah. This prestigious event, a collaboration between Expo Centre Sharjah and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has become a beacon for luxury connoisseurs worldwide,
Porsche, the renowned sports car manufacturer, has teamed up with Frauscher Shipyard to unveil the 850 Fantom Air, their inaugural electric sports boat. Powering this maritime marvel is the drive technology slated for Porsche’s upcoming all-electric Macan. International media and enthusiasts recently
The Rolex GMT-Master II is making waves with its two latest versions – one in yellow Rolesor, a blend of Oystersteel and yellow gold, and another in 18 ct yellow gold. These timepieces debut a groundbreaking grey-black Cerachrom bezel insert, redefining the
In the world of luxury watchmaking, certain introductions set the bar higher. The Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar Reference 5261R-001 is just that – a testament to Patek Philippe’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining an elegant touch. The
In the picturesque heart of Switzerland, the rhythm of innovation beats strong within Audemars Piguet’s walls. The legendary Swiss watchmaker brings forth yet another symphony of design: a novel rendition of their Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition, initially birthed to the world in
In the vast universe of luxury brands, Rolex occupies a unique celestial body, twinkling with prestige, precision, and timeless allure. It’s a name that, for over a century, has been synonymous with excellence in watchmaking. While many brands have come and gone,
Luxury fashion brand Gucci has appointed actor Alia Bhatt as its global ambassador, making her the first Indian to represent the esteemed Italian brand worldwide. Bhatt is set to make her inaugural appearance as Gucci’s newest global ambassador during the