News Desk DUBAI/BAGHDAD: International Smart Card, the operator of Iraq’s leading digital payments brand Qi Card, had the distinction of being the only fintech company prominently representing the country and the wider Middle East region. The company proudly put Iraq on the global fintech stage at Money20/20 USA, the world’s leading fintech show, which concluded on 29th October 2025, in …

News Desk DUBAI: The Emirates Group today announced a new record half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, making this the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for the half-year reporting period. After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax is AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 …

Yango Ride, part of the global tech company Yango Group, has introduced an updated safety flow in its application in Pakistan. The update integrates personalized safety checklists, enabling passengers to view the current status of implemented security measures during their rides, and a brand new safety center with security tips before and during the journey. The update will gradually become …

News Desk FUJAIRAH: Hala, the UAE’s most convenient e-hailing taxi solution and a joint venture between Careem and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has announced its official expansion into Fujairah, marking its entry into a third emirate and reinforcing its mission to build a connected, tech-enabled mobility network across the UAE. In partnership with the Fujairah Transport Corporation (FTC), …

By Rafiq Vayani MUSCAT: Reinforcing its position as Oman’s low-cost carrier and in line with its ongoing expansion strategy, SalamAir is proud to announce the launch of its newest destination, Abha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting 16th December 2025. Ticket sales will commence on 6th November 2025, offering travelers the opportunity to secure seats early with Lite fares starting …

Experts and students debate whether ancient wisdom holds answers for modern societies DOHA: As the world grapples with questions of meaning and moral direction, Doha Debates takes on a fundamental question: Should ancient wisdom guide today’s societies? In this episode of the new flagship season, moderated by Dareen Abughaida, students from across Qatar join three global thinkers to wrestle with …

By Rafiq Vayan KARACHI: THE FUTURE SUMMIT (TFS) 9th Edition, one of Pakistan’s premier thought leadership platforms, opened in Karachi with a powerful call for “Course Correction: Redefining the Direction.” Co-hosted by the Nutshell Group and NBP, in strategic partnership with Faysal Bank Limited and the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI), the Summit brought together national policymakers, …

GM Middle East’s third quarter 2025 sales climb 28% compared to last year across Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac; DUBAI: General Motors continues to be a dominant player in the full-size SUV landscape in the Middle East, powered by its world-class vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, as well as a growing base of youth, recording a rise of 28% year-over-year …

DUBAI: The UNESCO-listed town of Český Krumlov, located in South Bohemia in the heart of Czechia, is set to captivate visitors this winter with the launch of its Winter Illuminations Festival. Running from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, the festival promises to transform the historic town into a magical winter wonderland. This seasonal celebration offers GCC travellers an …

By Rafiq Vayani KARACHI: The Embassy of Romania to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Romania Business Council (PRBC), hosted a grand reception in Karachi to mark the early celebration of the 107th Anniversary of the National Day of Romania. The event, held at the Mövenpick Hotel, was graced by distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, …