Joe Biden spent his final full day as president in South Carolina, urging Americans to 'keep the faith in a better day to come' and reflecting on the impact of the civil rights movement in pushing him into politics.

The IMF projects Saudi Arabia's economy to grow by 3.3% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, reflecting the impact of oil production cuts and highlighting the country's diversification initiatives under Vision 2030.

A ceasefire in Gaza was delayed after Israel requested a list of hostages to be released by Hamas.

Tensions rise as pro-Palestine demonstrators in London reject police-approved route and plan to gather at Whitehall instead.

Israeli citizens gather in Tel Aviv to demand freedom for hostages held in Gaza, expressing anxiety over the fate of the youngest captive, Kfir Bibas, who turned two years old.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Sunday, with the release of 33 Israeli hostages and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Startups in the Middle East and North Africa raised $279 million in December, with the UAE attracting the most investment. Fintech was the most funded sector, while the gender gap in funding persisted.

Nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned home since Assad's fall, according to the UN refugee chief. Turkiye is allowing refugees to make round trips to prepare for resettlement.

Saudi Arabia is taking proactive steps to redefine its role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, as part of a broader shift in its regional strategy.

Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hezbollah leader accuses Israel of ceasefire violations and warns against testing their patience. UN Secretary-General calls for end to military operations and occupation. Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers.

23 Palestinians were killed and 83 were injured over the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Simi and Haze Khadra, founders of SimiHaze Beauty, will donate all sales to help families affected by the LA fires.

Lebanon's new president stresses urgency of Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as per ceasefire deal.

Ian McDiarmid and Hideo Ishikawa will headline the Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025, the region's largest pop culture event.

Explosions heard over Jerusalem after projectile launched from Yemen intercepted by Israeli military.

Israel will release 737 prisoners as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees has warned that a new Israeli law preventing its workers from operating within the country would be 'catastrophic' for Gaza and weaken the international humanitarian response there.

Sharone Lifschitz hopes for answers about her father's fate as one of the oldest hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel is preparing for the return of hostages from Gaza, expecting severe complications due to their prolonged captivity. Doctors anticipate cardiovascular and respiratory issues, vitamin deficiencies, starvation, weight loss, vision problems, broken bones, cognitive impairment, and mental health trauma. Medical officials are aware of challenges in treating the hostages, including refeeding syndrome. Experts urge the public to respect the hostages' privacy and allow them to release information at their own pace. Previously freed hostages and their families are volunteering to counsel those going through the process.

Rebuilding Gaza after the Israeli offensive could take 40 years and cost over $80 billion, say aid agencies. The war has left the enclave in ruins, with damaged infrastructure and destroyed homes.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urges Europe to increase defense spending as Trump's return to office reignites the debate. Achieving higher spending targets may be unrealistic, but the US and Europe's economic relationship relies on NATO's stability and security. Other regions should also pay attention to how the new administration engages with NATO allies.

French President Macron confirms that two French-Israeli hostages will be among the first to be freed by Hamas following the ceasefire with Israel. Macron will meet with the families of the hostages.

Religious hate crimes in the UK have increased by 25%, with Jews and Muslims being the most targeted groups. Islamophobic hatred is being fueled by various organizations and individuals, including media outlets and political figures, who promote anti-Muslim messaging and hatred.

The US Supreme Court has upheld the TikTok ban, meaning the app will no longer be available for download from app stores starting Jan. 19. TikTok's options have significantly narrowed, and its chances of remaining accessible in the US appear practically null. Users might gain limited access to a web-based version of the app, but even that option may not function reliably.

OIC chief meets US consul general in Jeddah to discuss relations and mutual concerns including Gaza and Islamophobia.

The EU is discussing redeploying a monitoring mission to Rafah to ensure border stability after the ceasefire.

Three Emirati racers will compete in the 6H of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend, aiming for another standout performance after a podium finish in the 24H of Dubai.

Oil prices rise as US sanctions on Russian energy trade impact supply and increase spot trade prices and shipping rates.

A mysterious airstrip is being built on a remote island in Yemen, which could provide a key landing zone for military operations patrolling the Gulf of Aden.

The Gaza Strip ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday as planned, despite a last-minute 'loose end' that negotiators are working to resolve, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

UK charities and organizations call on the British government to ensure the Gaza ceasefire leads to justice and accountability, including the end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

Amira by Taffi Inc. is an AI-powered virtual personal stylist that revolutionizes the shopping experience in the Middle East and North Africa. It offers personalized and trend-driven styling recommendations, engages users at every touchpoint, and provides real-time expert advice and tailored shoppable style recommendations. The AI stylist reduces choice overload, offers customized product bundles, and inspires shoppers with ideas for mixing and matching outfits and exploring new trends.

The UN Security Council urges Lebanon's leaders to swiftly form a government and expresses concern about violations of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Journalists berate Blinken over Gaza policy at his final press conference, criticizing US support for Israel and interrupting the Secretary of State's remarks.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls for Israel's commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as violations continue. PM-designate Nawaf Salam concludes parliamentary consultations for government formation.

The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the Gaza ceasefire and calls for media access and investigation into crimes against the media during the conflict.

ATME, Bahrain's regulated digital exchange, is using blockchain technology and tokenization to reshape finance systems and provide businesses and investors with secure and compliant access to funding and asset classes.

UN chief calls for major increase in aid following Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to alleviate immense suffering of Palestinians.

Egypt's President El-Sisi calls for accelerated aid into Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, highlighting the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

An Israeli drone targeted a military convoy in southern Syria, killing two members of the Military Operations Department and one civilian.

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is close to being finalized, with support from Trump and Biden. Concerns remain about Israel's commitment to the agreement and the future role of Hamas in Gaza.

Escalating wars, rising disinformation, and intensifying climate challenges rank as the most pressing global threats for 2025, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report.

Negotiators in Qatar are working on finalizing a ceasefire deal in Gaza that could end the conflict and ease tensions in the Middle East.

The Lebanese parliament has elected a new president and prime minister after 24 months of political paralysis, raising questions about the effectiveness of the country's political system.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini vows to continue delivering aid, emergency assistance, education, and primary health care to Palestinians despite Israeli ban.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa has called for continued pressure on Israel to accept the creation of a Palestinian state, even after a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Middle East will have a significant presence at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum next week, reflecting the growing influence of emerging markets, the organization said on Tuesday.

If the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal goes according to the current draft, then fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days, and dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed.

The United Nations is preparing to expand humanitarian assistance to Gaza under a potential ceasefire, but uncertainty remains around border access and security in the enclave.

The Emirati observation satellite MBZ-SAT launched successfully from California. It will capture high-res images to enhance disaster-management.

Israelis and Gazans await truce deal as families of hostages call for their release and displaced Palestinians hope to return home.

Gideon Saar believes there will be government support for a Gaza hostage deal despite opposition from nationalist parties.

Conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Sudan, have intensified the global hunger crisis, leaving millions of people vulnerable to malnutrition and starvation.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Lebanon to show support for the country and work on implementing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Honeywell has opened a new center in Saudi Arabia to provide localized cybersecurity services for critical industrial sectors in the Kingdom. The center will offer robust operational technology security solutions and help businesses maintain regulatory compliance.

The Saudi Research and Media Group has partnered with the Walking Challenge Entertainment Company to market the 'Schools Walking Challenge' program, promoting healthy lifestyles among students in Saudi Arabia.

The US has imposed its toughest sanctions yet on Russia's oil and gas revenues in an effort to give Ukraine leverage in reaching a peace deal.

The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has been recognized for its study on fully robotic liver transplants, which highlighted improvements in robot-assisted liver transplants such as reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays.

Malaysia has signed a CEPA with the UAE, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and create new investment opportunities. The agreement will lower tariffs, reduce trade barriers, and provide market access certainty for both countries.

Lebanon's new era begins with the election of a president, allowing the country to engage in international dealings and focus on its economy.

The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha is hosting an exhibition exploring the life and work of painter and sculptor Jean-Leon Gerome. The exhibition, titled 'Seeing Is Believing: The Art and Influence of Gerome,' examines how Gerome's art has shaped depictions of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region.

Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposes Gaza truce deal, but ruling coalition likely to pass it.

Lebanon's economy is expected to recover this year, but it requires international support and adherence to reforms. Public debt remains a major challenge.

A Brazilian judge has ordered an investigation into an Israeli soldier who allegedly destroyed a shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza, raising questions about the potential for Israelis who have served in the Israeli army to face judicial action abroad.

A missile fired by Houthi rebels targets central Israel, causing people to seek shelter. Israeli strikes in Gaza result in the deaths of six people.

President Joe Biden says his administration has left the US stronger and more reliable, but his legacy will be shaped by challenges and conflicts around the world.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen expressed regret for expelling her father Jean-Marie Le Pen from her party before his death last week.

Israel's ambassador to the UN calls on Security Council to thwart Hezbollah's ongoing military build-up and accuses the group of attempting to rearm with Iranian assistance.

Vehicles have become a preferred method for attackers seeking to cause mass casualty events, creating headaches for security agencies. Geofencing and blockchain forensics are emerging tools to track suspicious transactions and block vehicles from high-risk areas.

Pressure is mounting on the London Metropolitan Police to reverse their ban on a pro-Palestine march outside the BBC headquarters. The organizers are urging the police to reconsider their decision and have proposed a new route for the protest.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 14 Palestinians, including a family of five. Progress made in talks for a ceasefire deal. Biden administration hopes for a truce this week.

Saudi Arabia's Sarj Sports Investment partners with Enfield to expand investments in the global sports sector.

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister meets with Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh to discuss cooperation and common interests.

Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index lost 0.14 percent, while Buruj Cooperative Insurance Co. was the best-performing stock of the day.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss Israeli aggression in the occupied territories and the need for a ceasefire.

Lebanon's president and a top US general discussed the implementation of a truce between Hezbollah and Israel in the south of the country.

Coldplay brings their 'Music of the Spheres' tour to Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports Stadium, delivering an unforgettable evening of music, visuals, and connection.

Global oil demand is projected to rise by 1.21 million bpd in 2025, reaching 103.74 million bpd, according to a report by KAPSARC. Non-OECD countries, such as India and the Middle East, are expected to drive demand growth. The report also highlights the influence of geopolitics, inventory levels, and the global energy transition on market volatility.

BBC editor Raffi Berg is considering legal action against Owen Jones after accusations of bias in favor of Israel sparked online abuse and threats.

Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warns against supporting a Gaza deal that halts the war, calling for intensified efforts to secure and cleanse the Gaza Strip.

The fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria has led to speculation about the impact on the wider Middle East. While Israel and Turkey benefit from Assad's fall, it remains unclear if either will dominate the region.

Talks between politicians from Turkiye's pro-Kurdish party and jailed Kurdish leaders are underway in an effort to end the long-standing conflict between the state and the PKK.

The Arab Energy Fund-led consortium has acquired Metito Utilities, a global investor and operator of sustainable water management solutions, to address critical infrastructure needs in water and wastewater management across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

More than 150 exhibitors, including leading industry suppliers, will participate in Gulf Print and Pack 2025, the Middle East's premier commercial print and packaging trade show. The event will feature live demonstrations of the latest printing technologies and equipment.

MG Motor has launched the new MG HS, a mid-size SUV that redefines style, performance, and technology in the segment. With its sporty design and advanced features, the MG HS is perfect for younger buyers seeking passion, drive, and control in their everyday adventures. The vehicle offers exceptional value for money, with prices starting from $21,600, and features advanced safety features, powerful engine options, and a versatile cargo capacity. The MG HS combines practicality and elegance, offering unparalleled value for young professionals and families.

Nokia and stc Group have achieved a regional record by conducting a 1 Tbps long haul field trial, showcasing the potential of Nokia's technology for high-capacity data center connectivity. This collaboration supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for digital transformation and network infrastructure enhancement.

Israel conducted air strikes in Lebanon, hitting Hezbollah targets and smuggling routes along the Syria-Lebanon border. The strikes come ahead of the deadline for implementing the ceasefire agreement.

US President Joe Biden spoke with the families of three Americans detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban and emphasized his commitment to bringing home Americans wrongfully held overseas.

As Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas marks 20 years in office, his leadership remains a complex chapter in the Palestinian national story, characterized by division, disillusionment, but also dogged determination.

Palestinian doctor Khaled Al-Saidani continues to treat war victims in Gaza despite losing his leg in an Israeli air strike.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss efforts to reach a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and free the remaining hostages held there.

The UAE ship delivers 3,000 tonnes of relief supplies, including food and essentials, to Lebanon as part of the UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign.

US President Joe Biden is likely to talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon as US officials work towards reaching a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal.

King Abdullah of Jordan met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and the need for increased humanitarian aid.

Russia is turning to Libya as a potential foothold in Africa following the fall of its ally Bashar Assad in Syria. The Kremlin aims to preserve its missions in Africa and mitigate the deterioration of its position in Syria. However, Russia may face challenges in Libya due to the presence of other powers and the complexity of the situation.