Latest news with #Arabia
UAE Moments
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Today's Moon Mood: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Feeling a little rebellious today? Blame it on the Moon chilling in Aquarius — the ultimate free spirit of the zodiac. Under this energy, the usual rules It's all about originality, big ideas, and fighting for what you believe in (even if it's just arguing for pineapple on pizza). You might find yourself craving more space than usual — emotionally, mentally, physically. If someone's texting you five times in a row, you might just toss your phone across the room (no judgment). It's not personal, it's the Moon. Creativity is sky-high, too, so don't waste today doing boring things! Start a wild project, reach out to an unexpected new friend, or brainstorm some out-of-the-box goals. Aquarius energy reminds us: life's too short to be basic. Moon Mood tip: Say yes to your quirks. Wear something weird. Speak your truth. Break a routine just because you can. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here
The National
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Junoon: The Arabic word for madness and obsession - not to mention anger and irrationality
The seventh-century Arabic poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah is said to have been deeply in love with a woman named Layla. He wrote to her and about her constantly, so much so that after his death, he was referred to as Majnun Layla, which translates to 'the one mad about Layla'. The 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi immortalised their tale with his poem titled Majnun Layla. Despite their deep affection, societal pressures and family opposition keep them apart. Layla is married off to another man, while Majnun retreats to the wilderness, composing verses in her memory. Their love, pure, yet tragic, symbolises the agony of longing and the spiritual depth of true devotion. It's often called the "Romeo and Juliet" of the East. Majnoon (or majnun) comes from the word junoon, which is the Arabic word of the week. Junoon means madness and obsession, it can also convey anger and irrationality. Much like al-Mulawwah, a madman is a majnun and the plural is majaneen. Junoon is also used in the context of losing focus and concentration. If a person does something illogical and out of character, an immediate response might be 'inta janait?' which means "have you gone mad"? One idiom that uses the word is 'al junoon funoon', which translates to 'the art of madness'. It's used when seemingly random things coalesce to create something that is beautiful together. Junoon is also the Arabic word used for the faint buzzing sound a fly makes. The word is also found in other languages – it has the same meaning in Hindi and Urdu. It is also the title of the 2015 collaboration album Junun by English composer Jonny Greenwood, Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and the Indian ensemble, the Rajasthan Express. Junoon can also be used to express delusions of grandeur disorder, junoon al athama. Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs in one's extraordinary importance, talent or identity.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
IMF: Saudi Economy Shows Resilience Amid Global Shocks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that Saudi Arabia's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of global disruptions, with non-oil activities continuing to expand and inflation remaining contained. The IMF also noted a historic decline in unemployment rates, underscoring the strength of the Kingdom's economic fundamentals. In a statement concluding its Article IV mission to Saudi Arabia - a review welcomed by the Ministry of Finance - the Fund noted that despite the challenges posed by lower oil revenues and higher investment-related imports, which resulted in a dual deficit, the country still maintains significant external and fiscal buffers. The Fund added that the current fiscal expansion beyond the budgeted plans remains appropriate, supporting growth in non-oil sectors. According to the IMF, non-oil real GDP grew by 4.2 percent in 2024, driven mainly by robust private consumption and rising non-oil investments. Although oil production decreased to 9 million barrels per day, the overall economy expanded by 1.8 percent last year. Preliminary estimates for the first quarter of 2025 indicate non-oil GDP accelerated further, rising 4.9 percent year-on-year. Previously, the IMF had projected Saudi Arabia's total GDP growth at 1.5 percent for 2024. Higher-than-planned spending widened the fiscal deficit to 2.5 percent of GDP in 2024, surpassing initial targets. Still, the non-oil primary balance improved modestly, narrowing by 0.6 percentage points. Central government debt rose to 26.2 percent of GDP. However, the Kingdom remains among the least indebted countries globally, with net debt below 17 percent. The Fund expects domestic demand, including large-scale government projects, to continue as the main growth engine, even as global uncertainties mount and commodity price forecasts soften. For 2025, non-oil real GDP is projected to grow by 3.4 percent, supported by Vision 2030 initiatives and strong credit expansion. Over the medium term, the Fund anticipates non-oil growth will rise to about 4 percent by 2027, then gradually moderate to 3.5 percent by 2030. The Kingdom's hosting of major international events is expected to sustain this momentum. On trade risks, the IMF noted that the direct impact of global trade tensions should remain limited. Oil products, which accounted for 78 percent of Saudi exports to the United States in 2024, are exempt from US tariffs, while non-oil exports to the American market represent only 3.4 percent of the Kingdom's total non-oil shipments. Inflation is expected to remain contained around 2 percent, thanks to the riyal's peg to the US dollar and the credibility of Saudi monetary policy. Externally, the current account deficit is projected to widen, peaking near 3.9 percent of GDP by 2027, before easing to 3.4 percent in 2030. This increase largely reflects higher imports linked to investment projects and greater remittances. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia's international reserves are anticipated to stay robust. The Fund warned that weaker oil demand, intensifying trade frictions, or deeper geoeconomic fragmentation could weigh on oil revenues. Such shocks could widen fiscal deficits, raise debt, and increase borrowing costs. However, higher oil prices or accelerated reform implementation could yield stronger growth. On fiscal policy, the IMF judged the current expansionary approach appropriate, estimating the overall fiscal deficit will rise to 4.3 percent of GDP in 2025. This figure masks improvements in the non-oil primary balance, which is projected to strengthen by 3.6 percentage points relative to non-oil GDP. Over the medium term, the fiscal deficit is expected to decline gradually, falling to about 3.3 percent of GDP by 2030. This adjustment would be driven by efforts to contain the public wage bill and improve spending efficiency. During this period, the non-oil primary deficit should narrow by around 4.2 percent of non-oil GDP. The Fund anticipates that these deficits will be financed primarily through borrowing, including debt issuance and bank loans, with public debt rising to about 42 percent of GDP by the end of the decade. To ensure intergenerational fairness and fiscal sustainability, the IMF emphasized the importance of gradually tightening fiscal policy over the medium term. It recommended raising additional non-oil revenue equivalent to about 3.3 percent of non-oil GDP between 2026 and 2030. The Fund welcomed government plans to increase taxes on undeveloped land and broaden the value-added tax base, alongside recent adjustments in energy prices. It also urged authorities to accelerate the phase-out of energy subsidies, including removing the gasoline price cap. Additionally, the IMF supported ongoing reviews of public spending to deliver savings and improve efficiency, with an emphasis on reducing low-impact recurrent expenditure. Turning to monetary policy and the banking sector, the IMF reaffirmed that the currency peg to the US dollar remains appropriate, underpinned by large foreign reserves and high credibility. The Saudi Central Bank is expected to keep its policy rate aligned with the US Federal Reserve. The Fund welcomed the Central Bank's efforts to review prudential tools to contain risks from rapid credit expansion and called for continued vigilance to preserve financial stability. It also praised regulatory reforms, including the new banking law and the development of a risk-based supervisory framework. Finally, the IMF underscored the critical role of structural reforms in sustaining non-oil growth and diversifying the economy. It noted that Saudi Arabia has implemented wide-ranging changes in corporate regulation, governance, labor markets, and the financial sector. New measures, such as the updated investment law and labor law amendments, are expected to boost investor confidence and productivity. The Fund encouraged further efforts to strengthen human capital, enhance access to finance, and advance digital transformation, including integrating artificial intelligence into public services.
UAE Moments
a day ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Today's Moon Mood: Friday, June 27, 2025
Total soft focus. With the Waning Crescent Moon cruising through Pisces, the universe is handing you a cosmic permission slip to let go , chill out , and daydream like it's your full-time job . This phase is all about wrapping things up — and in Pisces, it's less about the to-do lists and more about trusting your intuition to guide you. If you're feeling extra sleepy, emotional, or even a little bit magical, you're exactly where you're supposed to be. ✨ Take it easy today: journal your feels, binge your comfort show, get lost in your playlist, or just stare at the ceiling and vibe. Don't force clarity — Pisces teaches us that sometimes you have to swim in the fog before you find the shore. Small rituals you can do: 🌙 Light a candle and set a tiny intention for what you're ready to leave behind. 🌙 Meditate or nap guilt-free. 🌙 Write down any dreams or random thoughts — Pisces Moon = high psychic downloads. Big mood today: Release without resistance. What's fading away isn't meant to stay — and your next chapter is quietly getting ready backstage. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here Follow us on our Whatsapp channel for latest news mailto:?subject=Your friend advice you to read this article from e7awi&body=Hello، %0D%0AYour friend sent you this letter and advises you to read this article/news, which is expected to obtain admire :%0D%0A e7awi : ARTICLE_LABLE %0D%0A on URL: bitlyURL %0D%0A %0D%0A Thank you! %0D%0A e7awi Team %0D%0A %0D%0A ------------------------- %0D%0A To insure reciving our email add this email. %0D%0A noreply@ to your contacts list. %0D%0A %0D%0A © 2025 - e7awi %0D%0A mailto:info@ request on site: e7awi&body=%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A -----------------------------------------------------------%0D%0A%0D%0A This message belongs to article: Today's Moon Mood: Friday, June 27, 2025%0D%0Aon URL: bitlyURL %0D%0A%0D%0A
UAE Moments
a day ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♐ Sagittarius Daily Horoscope for June 27, 2025
Ready to take on the world, Sagittarius? Today's energy brings a boost of boldness and a desire to break free from routine. Whether it's a fresh career idea or a personal revelation, the universe is giving you a little push to take the leap. Trust your gut—it knows more than you think. Career: A new opportunity may arise today that challenges your usual way of doing things. Don't dismiss it too quickly—thinking outside the box could land you ahead of the game. Love: If you're single, someone unexpected could catch your eye today. Already taken? Try something spontaneous with your partner—it'll reignite the spark. Body: You've got fire energy running through your veins, so move it! A short hike or dance workout could be the perfect outlet. Mental Health: You're craving freedom and space. Honor that by setting some boundaries or taking a mental break from the noise. Pro Tip: Say yes to what scares you a little—it could be the adventure your soul's been waiting for. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This article was previously published on qatarmoments. To see the original article, click here
