Women attend a funeral in Beirut on Sept. 18 for those killed after pagers blew up across Lebanon the day before. 
Middle East crisis

Hezbollah hand-held radios detonate across Lebanon, sources say

'Made in Japan' and 'ICOM' reportedly found on labels inside the devices

19 September 2024
The United Arab Emirates has been pursuing trade deals in a bid to diversify its economy beyond energy.
Trade

Japan aims to expand auto exports to UAE via trade pact

Two sides agree to economic partnership talks with eye on energy investment

19 September 2024
Police officers arrive at the office of Gold Apollo in New Taipei City on Sept. 18, as the company's pagers come under scrutiny in connection with a series of explosions in Lebanon.
International relations

Taiwan company denies making Hezbollah's exploding pagers

Intrigue swirls over detonations blamed on Israel; Taipei says it will investigate

18 September 2024
An error message sent to all of the booby-trapped pagers caused them to vibrate, forcing users to click on the buttons to stop the vibration, thus detonating a small amount of explosives hidden inside.
Middle East crisis

Hezbollah hit by a wave of exploding pagers and blames Israel

At least 9 dead, thousands injured in simultaneous blasts in Lebanon and Syria

18 September 2024
The flags of Australia, left, and the United Arab Emirates. Australia is hoping that a trade deal the countries have completed will lead to investment for its minerals sector. (Source photos by Reuters and AP)
Trade

Australia secures trade deal with UAE, eyes cash for critical minerals

Agreement will boost exports by AU$678m a year, minister says

17 September 2024
The Thai baht gained 6% against the dollar between Aug. 1 and Sept. 12 thanks partly to a rise in exports.
Currencies

Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian currencies gain as dollar weakens

Southeast Asia enjoys growth; political fears sink Turkish lira, Mexican peso

14 September 2024
An Iranian worker in southeastern Iran, near the Pakistani border welds two gas pipes at the beginning of construction in March 2013 of a pipeline to transfer natural gas between the two countries.
Opinion

Pakistan needs to learn lessons from failed Iran gas pipeline project

Islamabad should take a more strategic and realistic approach to its energy challenges

13 September 2024
An Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport, the airline's primary base.
Economy

Dubai to expand airport, metro to further attract business and tourists

City reinforcing urban functions to remain a hub in Gulf amid regional rivalry

11 September 2024
German police raid the Islamic Center Hamburg in November 2023. The center was closed in July 2024 on allegations that members acted against a constitutional order and supported Hezbollah.
International relations

Germany and Iran in tit-for-tat spat over Islamic center closure

Tehran may face more sanctions, though both sides lack will to escalate

8 September 2024
Nio Thinker, presented as a progressive news and opinion site, frequently bashes Donald Trump in its pieces. (Screenshot from Nio Thinker site) 
U.S. elections 2024

China, Iran tap AI to influence U.S. election, experts warn

Fake news sites and 'spamouflage' attempt to sway opinion ahead of vote

4 September 2024
Iranian workers stand at a 2013 groundbreaking ceremony to mark the inauguration of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
Energy

Iran slaps Pakistan with 'final notice' over unfinished gas pipeline

Islamabad could be on the hook for billions of dollars in penalties

2 September 2024
Protesters rally against the government and to show support for the hostages in Tel Aviv on Sept. 1.
Middle East crisis

U.S. Democrats urge Israel-Hamas ceasefire after dead hostages recovered

American-Israeli among six hostages killed in tunnel under Gaza

2 September 2024
Held in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Esports World Cup drew 500 teams from around the world, secured major sponsors like Sony Group and promised a record prize pool of approximately $62 million.
Media & Entertainment

Saudi Arabia ready to make aggressive play for Japanese gaming IP

The kingdom's Public Investment Fund to move all gaming assets to Savvy Games

1 September 2024
Mohammed Abrar Asif, co-chief executive officer at Hades Financial says entrepreneurs are building companies in such sectors as consumer goods in India.(Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Finance

Saudi Arabia's Hades Financial readies $750m for India investment

Growing number of Middle Eastern funds look to back Indian startups and venture funds

30 August 2024
In 2019, Digital Dubai introduced Guidelines on Ethical use of AI, the comprehensive framework helps AI developers, government entities, and society create AI systems that are safe, responsible, and ethical.
Opinion

Dubai sets global standard for ethical use of AI

Guidelines highlight importance of moral considerations in evolving landscape

30 August 2024
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Kazakhstan on July 4. (Turkish presidency)
International relations

Turkey lauds improvement in relations with China after long stagnation

President Erdogan reveals possible visit in 2025 by counterpart Xi

21 August 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Tel Aviv on Aug. 18.
Middle East crisis

Blinken arrives in Middle East to renew push for Gaza cease-fire

U.S. secretary of state to meet with Netanyahu in 10th trip to region since war began

19 August 2024
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on a residential building in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Aug. 16.
Middle East crisis

Gaza cease-fire talks paused with plans to resume next week

U.S. warns much work still needs to be done as Blinken prepares to meet Netanyahu

17 August 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, poses with leaders of Arab nations before the opening of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing on May 30. (Pool photo by Reuters)
Comment

How China's peace diplomacy could endanger global stability

Beijing prioritizes showcasing its power over achieving lasting peace

14 August 2024
U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby attends a press briefing at the White House on March 25.
Middle East crisis

U.S. prepared for possible attacks in Middle East by Iran this week

Assassination of Hamas leader has drawn Iranian vows of retaliation against Israel

13 August 2024
India's Nita Ambani attends the inauguration of the Indian House at the 2024 Olympics on July 27. India is among the hopefuls already jockeying to host the 2036 Games.
Sports

Asian cities and nations make their case to host the 2036 Olympics

India, Indonesia, Istanbul, Qatar and others are already touting their strengths

12 August 2024
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana.
U.S. elections 2024

Trump campaign says it was hacked, blames Iran

Former president had strained relations with Tehran while in office

11 August 2024
Palestinians look at damages at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. 
Middle East crisis

Scores reported dead in Gaza school shelter after Israeli airstrike

Israel's military says it targeted Hamas militants, doubts death toll

11 August 2024
"Bahar," a remake of a South Korean drama, has enjoyed huge popularity in Turkey. (MF Yapim)
Media & Entertainment

Asian dramas spread across the world through Turkish remakes

South Korean and Japanese content is turning up in over 100 countries

10 August 2024