Author: Zain Farra

Saudi Bashayer Construction (SBC) is planning to invest one billion Egyptian pounds ($32 million) in Egypt as an industrial developer for companies seeking to set up manufacturing projects in the Arab country, according to a statement issued by Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. Trade and Industry Minister Ahmed Samir was quoted as saying that the Company has launched a study to assess the market, the statement said, adding that Sadat City is among the locations proposed for this project. SBC will leverage its German partner’s expertise in sustainable energy, recycling, and waste treatment to attract German companies operating within…

Coordinated airstrikes hit two US occupation bases in southern and northeast Syria in the morning of 19 October, in the latest escalation against US troops in West Asia since the start of the Gaza-Israel war. According to informed sources who spoke with Al-Mayadeen, three drones were able to fly above the Al-Tanf base at the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border and launch several successful airstrikes. “The attack led to a major alert within [Al-Tanf], with continuous flights of military aircraft and helicopters in the area,” Al-Mayadeen reported. Sources within the US-led coalition that spoke with Iraq’s Shafaq News on Wednesday claimed that the…

Apple (AAPL) quietly announced its next-generation Pencil that works with iPads and now includes USB-C charging. The change comes nearly a month after Apple retired its Lightning charger, a milestone moment toward universal charging amid pressure from EU regulators. Like previous models, the third-generation Apple Pencil is intended for taking notes, sketching and marking up documents. It also supports the hover feature, which allows users to preview and switch between different tools and app controls, when used with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation). The price is $79, down $20 from the second-generation…

Qatar University (QU) and Elegancia Healthcare – a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to forge a strategic partnership to advance their shared interest in covering different, scientific, administrative, technical and research areas. The MoU was signed by QU President, Dr. Omar Al Ansari and the CEO of Elegancia Healthcare, Joseph Hazel — establishing the framework for cooperation between the two parties. One of its primary objectives is to create opportunities for joint continuous professional development (CPD) and continuous medical education (CME) through information exchange related to teaching and research in the fields of mutual…

Turkey’s parliament voted on Tuesday to extend the mandate that allows its security forces to launch cross-border operations in Syria and Iraq for another two years. The 600-seat Turkish parliament passed the mandate with 357 for and 164 against votes, which allows Turkey to send troops to Syria and northern Iraq. The extension comes after Turkey’s large-scale air offensive in northern Syria this month targeting dominant Syrian Kurdish groups. Erdogan’s ruling coalition largely voted for the bill with several opposition parties including the nationalist Good Party and liberal-leaning DEVA also announcing their support. Turkey’s pro-opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and…

Moqaddam made the remarks during a trip to neighboring Oman at the head of a high-level military delegation. In the Arab country, he met with Major General Hamid Ahmed Said Sakroun, the head of Oman’s Strategic and Defense Studies Academy. Moqaddam highlighted the historical, religious and cultural commonalities between the two nations and expressed his readiness to expand these relations in the fields of science, research and the exchange of professors and students between the two countries. The university chancellor also visited the Faculty of National Defense, the Faculty of Command and Headquarters, and the Oman Military Museum. Also, Moqaddam…

Online crane rental platform MYCRANE has launched its operations in Saudi Arabia to enhance its footprint in the Middle East, according to a press release. The Dubai-based platform, which allows users to hire cranes of up to 750 tonnes for various projects, will operate in the Kingdom through an office in Dammam as announced at the oil and gas show ADIPEC earlier in October 2023. MYCRANE said it sees no shortage of opportunities in Saudi Arabia, which has committed to almost $1 trillion worth of construction and infrastructure projects as part of its 2030 vision and diversification strategy in addition…

From bacteria to blue whales, the number of cells in living things exceeds the estimated number of sand grains on Earth by a factor of a trillion. It’s 1 million times larger than all the stars in the universe. And the number of cells that have ever lived is 10 orders of magnitude larger still, according to new estimates researchers reported last week in Current Biology. These calculations aren’t just an exercise in superlatives. They could also help scientists better understand our planet’s fecundity and predict how lifeforms may use carbon in the future. “These efforts are absolutely indispensable,” says…

Jordan is scheduled to host on Wednesday a meeting with the leaders of US, Palestine and Egypt to discuss the ongoing fighting between Hamas and Israel, and related developments in Gaza. The Jordanian Royal Court in a statement said King Abdullah II will receive US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for a four-way summit in Amman “to discuss dangerous developments in Gaza, its regional impact, & ensuring provision of aid” into the Gaza Strip.” The Jordanian official Petra news agency said the monarch will hold separate meetings with each leader. Eleven days…

The Oman Blue Carbon initiative, which seeks to plant 100 million mangrove trees in the Sultanate of Oman, will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million tonnes. It also has the potential to significantly enhance the natural environment and provide economic benefits estimated at around $150 million. As part of the National Zero Carbon Strategy 2050, the Environment Authority (EA) recently hosted an event and press conference for the signing of the Oman Blue Carbon Agreement with MSA Green Projects Company. This project targets the planting of 100 million mangrove trees in the Al Wusta Governorate, specifically in the…