
Saudi Arabia crude exports hit three-month high in May
Crude exports from the world's largest oil exporter rose to 6.191 million barrels per day (bpd) from 6.166 million bpd in April.
Saudi's crude output for May was at 9.184 million bpd, up from 9.005 million bpd in April.
Saudi refineries' crude throughput was at 2.721 million bpd, up 0.017 million bpd from April's 2.704 million bpd, the data showed, while direct crude burning increased by 112,000 bpd to 489,000 bpd.
Saudi Arabia and other members of OPEC provide monthly export figures to JODI, which publishes them on its website.
The OPEC+ group comprising OPEC and allies such as Russia, this month agreed to raise production by 548,000 bpd in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped and then retreated after Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran.
Five sources familiar with the discussions said that OPEC+ is likely to approve a further increase for September when it meets on August 3.
OPEC+ began to unwind cuts of 2.17 million bpd in April with a boost of 138,000 bpd, followed by further increases in May, June and July despite falling oil prices.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said the kingdom had been fully compliant with its voluntary OPEC+ output target, adding that Saudi-marketed crude supply in June was 9.352 million bpd, in line with the agreed quota.
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Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Zoho Launches Zia LLM and Deepens AI Portfolio with Prebuilt Agents, Custom Agent Builder, MCP, and Marketplace
Homegrown, Business-Optimized Technology Addresses Needs for Developers and End Users While Enhancing Platform Capabilities SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, announced additional investments and offerings in AI, including Zia LLM, a proprietary large language model; Zia Agents, with 25+ ready-to-deploy AI-powered agents available in Agent Marketplace; Zia Agent Studio, a no-code agent builder; and a model context protocol (MCP) server to open up Zoho's vast library of actions to third-party agents. These capabilities and investments are designed to help organizations fully realize and maximize the value of contextual, assistive and agentic AI technology. Immediately impacting daily workflows for diverse roles and use cases, Zoho's latest AI developments deliver operational and financial efficiencies across entire organizations. "Zia LLM is a unique Enterprise LLM, this investment furthers Zoho's longstanding aim to build foundational technology focused on protection of customer data, breadth and depth of capabilities, and value," says Gibu Mathew, VP and GM of Zoho APAC. "Because Zoho's AI initiatives are developed internally, we are able to provide customers with cutting-edge tool sets without compromising data privacy and organizational flexibility, democratizing the latest technology on a global scale. For businesses, AI needs data integration at a DNA level, the Zoho platform is built with exactly that future and vision." Zia LLM, Built from the Ground Up and Optimized for Business Zoho has launched its own large language model, Zia LLM, built completely in-house by leveraging NVIDIA's AI accelerated computing platform. Trained with Zoho product use cases in mind—ranging from structured data extraction, summarization, RAG, and code generation—Zia LLM is comprised of three models with 1.3 billion, 2.6 billion and 7 billion parameters, each separately trained and optimized for contextual applicability that benchmark competitively against comparable open source models in the market. The three models allow Zoho to always optimize the right model for the right user context, striking the proper balance between power and resource management. This focus on right-sizing the model is an ongoing development strategy for Zoho. In addition to Zia LLM, Zoho is announcing two proprietary Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) models for speech-to-text conversion for both English and Hindi. Optimized to perform on a low computer load without compromising on accuracy, the models benchmark up to 75% better than comparable models across standard tests. Language support for additional languages will be coming in the future. 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Agents available today include: New Version of Ask Zia: The latest version of Zoho's platform-wide conversational AI assistant, Ask Zia 's new BI skills are tailored to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists, yet supports any user within an organization. Ask Zia is now equipped with capabilities that directly address the unique pain points faced by each persona, whether it's building end-to-end data pipelines for engineers, analyzing data, creating reports and dashboards in an interactive conversation mode for analysts, or helping to jump start building ML models for data scientists. Customer Service Agent: With the ability to process incoming customer requests, understand the context behind them, and either answer them directly or triage them to a human rep, the Customer Service Agent for Zoho Desk provides an efficient yet reliable first line of assistance, paving the way for quicker responses and resolutions. AI Agent Studio and Marketplace First announced earlier in 2025, Zoho has further simplified the Zia Agent Studio experience to be fully prompt-based (with the option to use low-code) and include ready-made access to over 700 actions across Zoho's products. Agents built by users can be deployed autonomously, triggered through button click or rule-based automation, or summoned within customer conversations. At the time of deployment, an agent can also be provisioned as a digital employee. Digital Employees respect defined user access permissions, maintaining the same permissions structures already defined within the organization. Admins are able to perform behavioral audits as well as performance and impact analyses on Digital Employees, ensuring that every agent is working as effectively as possible and within clear guardrails. Zoho Marketplace, which supplies over 2500 reliable extensions and integrations for Zoho users, now houses the Agent Marketplace, a dedicated section for AI agents that can be deployed by customers quickly. Ecosystem partners, ISVs, and individual developers will soon be able to create agents and host them on the Zia Agents Marketplace, further simplifying the adoption of agentic technology by organizations. Some pre-built agents created with Zia Agent Studio (and available on the Zia Agent Marketplace) are: Revenue Growth Specialist: Uncovers opportunities for upsell and cross-sell across existing customers, recommending the best marketing approach for each customer. Deal Analyzer: Analyze deals and provide insights such as win probability, next best action, and follow-up suggestions. Candidate Screener: Intelligently identifies and ranks the most suitable candidates for a specific job opening based on role requirements, skills, experience, and other key attributes. 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Additional Documentation Zia Agent Marketplace - Full list of available agents at launch Disclaimer All trademarks, product names, and company names cited herein are the property of their respective owners. Availability and Pricing Zia LLM will be available to Zoho customers in the coming months. Zia Agents, Zia Agent Studio, Agent Marketplace, and Zoho MCP Server are being rolled out to customers who are currently on the early access waiting list. General availability for these offerings is expected towards the end of 2025. Zoho expects to study the usage patterns of these customers across use cases, industries, geographical regions, and sizes during this early access phase. A pricing structure for these offerings can be expected at the time of general availability. Zoho Artificial Intelligence Differentiation Zoho is committed to designing and incorporating artificial intelligence guided by the principles of customer privacy and value. Our generic AI models across contextual, assistive, and agentic AI, are not trained on consumer data and do not retain customer information. Zoho builds AI tools with usefulness in mind, striking a balance between providing AI technology that assists workers while right-sizing models that don't require burdening consumers with additional costs. Hashtag: #zoho The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Zoho With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho Corporation is one of the world's most prolific technology companies. Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 18,000 employees globally with headquarters in Austin, Texas and international headquarters in Chennai, India. Zoho APAC HQ is located in Singapore. For more information, please visit: Zoho respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products. The company owns and operates its data centers, ensuring complete oversight of customer data, privacy, and security. More than 100 million users around the world, across hundreds of thousands of companies, rely on Zoho everyday to run their businesses, including Zoho itself. For more information, please visit: Zoho Corporation


UAE Moments
9 hours ago
- UAE Moments
UAE's Growth: Economy, Culture, Sustainability & Innovation
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Through strategic planning and visionary leadership, the UAE has established itself as a powerhouse in the Middle East and beyond. A Thriving Economy Built on Oil, Trade, and Diversification The Role of Oil in UAE's Economic Beginnings The foundation of the UAE's economic development began with the discovery of oil in the region. Oil exports led to a rapid influx of wealth, allowing the country to invest heavily in infrastructure and public services during the 1970s and 1980s. Abu Dhabi, which holds the majority of the UAE's oil resources, became the primary financial contributor to the federation's prosperity. However, while oil revenues played a significant role in the initial phase of development, the UAE understood that reliance on a single resource posed risks to long-term stability. This insight led to a concentrated effort to shift the economy towards diversification. Today, oil contributes less than 30% of its GDP, showcasing the success of its strategic planning. 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Non-oil sectors account for over 70% of this GDP, indicating the effectiveness of its diversification policies. Additionally, international trade amounts to nearly $600 billion annually, positioning the UAE as the Middle East's trade capital. The UAE has also ranked among the top 10 countries globally for ease of doing business, with various free zones like Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Dubai Airport Free Zone providing incentives for international companies. Such initiatives have driven the UAE to become a preferred destination for global investors. Culture: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity The Heritage of the UAE and Preservation of Arab Identity Despite its rapid modernization, the UAE prides itself on maintaining its Arab roots and heritage. Traditional values of hospitality, family, and respect still dominate everyday life. Cultural landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi serve as symbols of both religious devotion and architectural genius. Festivals like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day highlight the UAE's rich cultural traditions. These events are celebrated with grandeur and serve as moments where residents, expatriates, and tourists come together to appreciate the Emirati way of life. Integration of Global Customs and Diversity The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural nations globally. The Emirati people have embraced diversity by integrating various cuisines, languages, and customs into their culture. For example, Dubai hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival, an event that attracts international participants and showcases a blend of global traditions. Cultural exchange is evident in the UAE's educational institutions as well, where schools offer curricula from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, India, and more. Expatriates find comfort in the UAE's inclusive laws, while Emiratis retain their heritage, creating a harmonious society. Sustainable Urban Development and Architecture Modern Architectural Wonders The UAE has become synonymous with groundbreaking architectural achievements. From the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa, to the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah, the country's innovative spirit knows no bounds. The Louvre Abu Dhabi offers another example of architectural ingenuity, combining traditional Arab designs with modern aesthetics. Such projects have not only captivated the world's attention but have also driven economic growth by attracting millions of tourists annually. For example, statistics show that Dubai received nearly 16 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the most visited cities globally. Sustainable Development Projects The UAE has also taken a leadership role in promoting sustainable urban development. Masdar City serves as a shining example, with its focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and zero-carbon living. Additionally, projects like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy aim to make renewable energy account for 75% of Dubai's power by 2050. Alongside these initiatives, the UAE has launched programs like the Green Economy Initiative and UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to reduce carbon emissions, ensuring modernity does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Tourism: A Pillar of UAE's Diversified Economy Global Attractions and Events Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE, contributing significantly to the nation's economy. Landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, and Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace are magnets for travelers worldwide. Events like the Dubai Expo and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix further diversify the types of tourists visiting the country. Research conducted by Dubai Tourism reveals that the emirate aims to attract 25 million visitors by 2025. This ambitious target reflects the success of various tourism strategies, including hosting cultural festivals, music events, and exhibitions. Artificial islands and luxury resorts have also contributed to strengthening the UAE's reputation as a world-class tourist destination. The Rise of Eco-Tourism Eco-tourism is emerging as a popular trend in the UAE, thanks to initiatives such as the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Jubail Mangrove Park. These destinations allow visitors to connect with nature while learning about the UAE's environmental conservation efforts. Furthermore, wildlife sanctuaries like Sir Bani Yas Island offer a haven for endangered species, turning the UAE into more than just a destination for opulence—it's also a place for ecological exploration. Education and Technological Innovations Advancements in UAE's Educational Sector The UAE prioritizes education as a cornerstone for future development. State-of-the-art schools and universities, such as Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, reflect the country's commitment to raising globally competitive professionals. Education reforms have introduced technology-driven curricula to ensure students are prepared for the digital age. For example, the UAE Ministry of Education's Smart Learning Program has integrated advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into classrooms, offering new opportunities for teaching and learning. The UAE as a Regional Technology Leader The UAE has emerged as a hub for technological innovations. Startups specializing in technology reside in zones like Dubai Internet City, supported by government funding and incubator programs. The UAE is also pushing boundaries in AI through high-profile projects such as employing AI for healthcare diagnostics and smart city developments. Additionally, Emirates Mars Mission—the UAE's space exploration venture—highlights its foray into advanced sciences, making it the first Arab nation to reach Mars. Such initiatives solidify the UAE's position as a leader in modern innovation. Business Environment and Opportunities A Magnet for Global Investors The UAE provides an investor-friendly business ecosystem backed by free zones, tax exemptions, and modern infrastructure. JAFZA alone has over 8,000 companies across industries, ranging from logistics to advanced manufacturing. Moreover, UAE's robust banking system and strong rule of law make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking stability in the Middle East. Major corporations, such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have established offices in the UAE, capitalizing on its strategic location and advanced digital infrastructure. Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs Initiatives like Dubai Future Accelerators and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival encourage global startups to operate in the UAE. Emirati youth are also displaying a growing interest in entrepreneurship, supported by programs such as Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which offers grants and mentorship. Statistics show that SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) contribute over 53% to the UAE's GDP, emphasizing the country's commitment to fostering innovation and growth. UAE's Vision for the Future The UAE has set ambitious goals under Vision 2021 and Vision 2030 frameworks, which emphasize sustainability, innovation, and diversification. Projects like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy align with these goals, with a focus on shifting away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the upcoming COP28 conference, to be hosted in the UAE, exemplifies the country's leadership in tackling global environmental challenges. Global Collaborations and Partnerships The UAE continues to strengthen its international relations through partnerships with major economies like the United States, China, and India. Collaborative efforts in sectors such as energy, education, and defense underscore the country's importance on the global stage. Its active participation in organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) further showcases the UAE's role in shaping the future of sustainable development worldwide.


Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
India's TCS to cut 12,000 jobs as demand contracts
Indian IT giant Tata Consultancy Services said on Sunday it will cut around two percent of its global workforce, or about 12,000 jobs, as demand contracts in the sector it leads. The software services firm — India's largest by market cap — said the reductions would mainly affect employees in middle and senior roles and would be rolled out over the course of this year. TCS employs 613,000 people worldwide, and the IT services sector is one of India's biggest employers and revenue earners. The company said the move was part of efforts to become a "future-ready" organisation as it enters new markets and scales up its use of artificial intelligence. "As part of this journey, we will also be releasing associates from the organisation whose deployment may not be feasible," TCS said in a statement. It said the restructuring was being carried out with "due care" to avoid disruption to client services. After TCS's June-quarter revenue fell short of expectations, CEO K Krithivasan said this month that "continued global macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties caused a demand contraction". IT services are the most visible part of India's modern economy and historically one of its biggest white-collar job creators, driving the expansion of the middle class. But a slowdown in the sector has seen hundreds of thousands of new graduates struggle to find work.