Business
GCC countries scored 66.9 in the 2026 Economic Freedom Index, beating the global 59.9 average as the UAE, Qatar and Oman led the bloc overall.
CBUAE kept the UAE base rate at 3.65% after the Federal Reserve held rates steady, leaving the overnight liquidity framework unchanged.
South Korea major retailers posted a 5.6% March sales gain, with online channels taking a bigger share of consumer spending in the country.
Syria will receive US$225 million in World Bank grants to rebuild water and health services after years of conflict damage nationwide.
Dnata will invest A$32 million in a new cargo terminal at Western Sydney International, adding freight capacity before the airport opens.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama held Abu Dhabi talks on trade, energy, technology and security.
Apple says Tim Cook will become executive chairman and John Ternus CEO on Sept. 1, formalizing the iPhone maker leadership transition.
Japan set fiscal 2026 defense spending near 2% of GDP as the Ministry of Defense expanded funding for missiles, drones and air defense.
Technology
NEW DELHI: India is preparing a new fund worth more than 1 trillion rupees, or about $11 billion, to support domestic semiconductor production, according to a report published Thursday. The report said the proposed funding would provide subsidies for chip design projects, manufacturing equipment and the development of a local semiconductor supply chain, covering activities that range…
EuroWire, LEIPZIG: BMW Group has launched a pilot project using humanoid robots in production at its Plant Leipzig, marking the company’s first deployment of humanoid robotics on a factory floor in Germany. BMW announced the project on Feb. 27 and provided additional details on March 9, describing the move as part of what it calls “Physical AI,”…
CUPERTINO: Apple on Tuesday introduced updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by its new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, positioning the laptops for professional workflows and expanded on-device artificial intelligence. Apple said the systems add faster storage, updated wireless capabilities and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity while keeping the same form factors. Preorders opened Wednesday, March…
CUPERTINO: Apple on March 2 introduced the iPhone 17e, a lower-priced model in its iPhone 17 lineup that starts at $599 with 256GB of storage and is also offered with 512GB for $799. The company said the phone will be sold in black, white and soft pink with a matte finish. Pre-orders begin March 4 at 6:15…