Abu dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is undergoing an extraordinary acceleration, positioning the emirate as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth. According to Emirates News Agency, the emirate, with 673 AI companies, has experienced a 61 percent increase in the AI sector between June 2023 to June 2024. Globally, there are approximately 90,904 AI companies as of 2024, which places Abu Dhabi’s AI company count as a notable concentration within the global landscape. The findings highlight Abu Dhabi’s rise as the fastest growing centre for artificial intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and

Brussels: A group of foreign ministers, along with the High Representative of the European Union, have demanded Israel not crack down on international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on Palestinian issues. According to Emirates News Agency, a joint statement issued over the weekend warned against Israel’s recent registration system of international humanitarian organisations. The statement highlighted that the new system could force NGO staff to leave Israel by next month, potentially widening the gap of critical aid needed in Gaza and elsewhere in occupied Palestinian territories. The statement, signed by ministers from Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway,

Abu dhabi: The Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading, launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) in February to coincide with National Reading Month, has achieved notable success in the first half of the year. According to Emirates News Agency, the campaign embraced the theme “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community” and aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community. It forms part of the ALC’s broader strategic vision to promote the Arabic language and cultivate a culture of reading across all age groups. As a year-long initiative, the campaign emphasized reading as a powerful vehicle

Beijing: China’s major light industry firms recorded 11.3 trillion yuan (US$1.57 trillion) in operating revenue in the first half of 2025, up 7 percent year-on-year in value added, data from the China National Light Industry Council showed on Monday. According to Emirates News Agency, the policy-fuelled consumer demand surged in the first half of the year, with the retail sales of 11 major light industry product categories exceeding 4.3 trillion yuan (about $590 billion), up 11.6 percent from the previous year.

Abu dhabi: The UAE is witnessing a surge in humanitarian initiatives this summer aimed at protecting outdoor workers from heat stress, reflecting the strong commitment of Emirati society, both individuals and institutions, to workers’ safety, welfare, and rights. According to Emirates News Agency, initiatives range from providing air-conditioned shelters, cold drinks, ice cream, and full meals, to distributing sunglasses, sunscreen, and running awareness campaigns on the dangers of heat exhaustion. The programmes, run by both government and non-government organisations, underscore the UAE’s ethical values and its success in making worker protection a deeply rooted social culture. The Ministry of Human

Seoul: The Republic of Korea’s exports decreased by 4.3 percent from the same period last year during the first 10 days of August. This reduction is attributed partly to declining shipments to the United States amid rising trade tariffs. According to Emirates News Agency, outbound shipments amounted to US$14.7 billion from August 1 to 10, compared to $15.4 billion in the same period the previous year, based on data from the Korea Customs Service. Imports also saw a decline of 13.6 percent on-year, totaling $15.9 billion, which resulted in a trade deficit of $1.2 billion for this timeframe. Despite the