Latest news with #MENA
Middle East
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egyptian, French FMs stress importance of restoring Gaza ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian aid access
CAIRO, June 27 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stressed the urgent need to restore the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, as living conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave continue to deteriorate. Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Tamim Khallaf, said that during a phone call on Thursday, the two ministers discussed recent developments in Gaza, following the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. During the telephone conversation, they addressed key regional developments and explored avenues to further strengthen ties between Egypt and France. Abdelatty highlighted the genuine efforts spearheaded by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to swiftly secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, underscoring the critical role of the international community in halting Israeli aggression in both Gaza and the West Bank. The ministers also addressed the issue of Palestinian state recognition, Barrot updated his Egyptian counterpart on preparations for the upcoming high-level international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which aims to promote a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the implementation of the two-state solution. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's firm commitment to a just and sustainable solution, grounded in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital. The spokesperson added that the two ministers concurred on the necessity for both Iran and Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire, stressing the importance of concrete de-escalation measures to pave the way for renewed political and diplomatic initiatives. They also commended the strategic partnership between Egypt and France, reaffirming their mutual commitment to consolidating bilateral ties in all domains. (MENA) R R N/
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia ranks 2nd in Africa and 62nd globally in Energy Transition Index
Tunis – Tunisia has made significant progress in the global energy transition landscape, climbing 27 spots to rank 62nd worldwide out of 118 countries in the 2025 Energy Transition Index (ETI), published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This marks a notable improvement from its 89th position in 2024, making Tunisia the second-highest ranked country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With an overall score of 54.6 points, Tunisia stands out for its steady advancements toward a more sustainable and secure energy system. The Energy Transition Index (ETI) provides a data-driven framework to assess how 118 countries are positioned to navigate the evolving energy landscape. It measures both system performance (security, equity and sustainability outcomes) and transition readiness (enablers of progress, including regulations and political commitment, finance and investment, education and human capital, infrastructure, and innovation), resulting in an ETI score. According to the report, Tunisia demonstrates strong preparedness to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, particularly in the structure and readiness of its energy system. The country performed well in areas such as system performance, security, sustainability, and equity, despite ongoing needs to strengthen governance and enhance innovation and investment. In the MENA region, Tunisia ranks just behind Saudi Arabia (60th with 55.0 points) and ahead of the United Arab Emirates (48th with 58.4 points). On the African continent, Nigeria leads at 61st with a score of approximately 54.8, followed by Tunisia. Other African countries trailing behind include Namibia (64th), Mauritius (69th), Morocco (70th), Egypt (74th), South Africa (79th), Kenya (88th), and Algeria (89th). Côte d'Ivoire completes the African top 10 at 90th globally. Tunisia's detailed scores are: System Performance (Security, Sustainability, Equity): 59.7 Transition Readiness (Governance, Infrastructure, Innovation, Investment): 46.9 Commenting on the ETI ranking, Director of Solar Energy at the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) Nefaâ Baccari underlined that Tunisia's progress is both significant and expected, showing nearly a decade of sustained national efforts toward energy transition. He cited ongoing reforms, such as the establishment and updating of the regulatory framework and the simplification of administrative procedures. "The installed solar energy capacity in Tunisia currently stands at around 700 MW (across solar, wind, hydro, etc.) and is expected to reach 1,000 MW by the end of 2025," Baccari told TAP. He emphasized that the country is now beginning to reap the benefits of these long-term efforts, and that their impact will become increasingly visible each year. Tunisia remains committed to achieving its energy transition goals by 2035 and ultimately reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Qatar's health expenditure to surge 14% by 2029
DOHA: Qatar's healthcare industry is poised for rapid expansion, with total health spending projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 percent by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR42bn), according to a recent report by Fitch Solutions. Health experts note that this growth would make Qatar the third-largest healthcare market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the tenth-largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite these impressive figures, analysts at Fitch Solutions stress that Qatar's overall market opportunities are challenging compared to other regional players. This is primarily due to the country's small population size and modest short-term economic growth prospects. 'The numbers show a healthy trajectory, but we must be careful not to confuse high growth rates with large-scale opportunity,' said Dr. Lisa Kurian, a Doha-based public health specialist. 'Qatar's small population means we are working with a narrower base, even if spending per capita is among the highest in the region.' Government investment, driven by the National Development Strategy 2024–2030, continues to underpin the growth in public health expenditure. Meanwhile, the private sector is benefiting from strong per capita health spending and ongoing public-private partnerships. 'Qatar has done well to encourage private sector involvement without compromising public oversight,' said Dr. Kurian adding that projects like Surgi Art Hospital are proof that collaboration is driving innovation in patient care. On the other hand, digital transformation is also playing a key role in ensuring efficient healthcare delivery. Government-backed initiatives like the Smart Programme (TASMU) aim to leverage big data, AI, and integrated electronic health records to streamline services and prevent resource bottlenecks. In July 2024, the government signed an agreement with AI firm Lunit to introduce AI-powered breast cancer screening tools across primary health centres—an initiative expected to enhance early detection and reduce long-term costs. 'Investing in AI for diagnostics is not just about innovation—it's about sustainability. Early diagnosis means better outcomes and lower treatment costs, which is critical for long-term health system viability, the medical expert said. She also emphasised that 'Technology cannot replace people. Without well-trained, adequately supported staff, even the most advanced tools will fall short of their potential.' As Qatar positions itself as a leader in high-value healthcare within the region, striking the right balance between innovation, infrastructure, and human capital will be critical. Additionally, researchers highlight that the next phase of development must focus on systemic resilience, ensuring that digital health tools, regulatory frameworks, and a capable workforce work together cohesively to deliver quality care for a changing population. With its strong fiscal position, high per capita income, and strategic vision for healthcare advancement, Qatar is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international healthcare companies, investors, and research institutions. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Binational Financial Clout Sealed by SIBOS 2029 Bid Win
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has been chosen to host SIBOS in 2029, affirming its standing as a global nexus in financial services. The selection reflects growing confidence in its role as a strategic bridge in international banking, marking the beginning of SWIFT's new hosting rotation featuring emerging financial hubs. SWIFT—holder of SIBOS, an annual forum for payments, securities, cash management and trade—has scheduled the conference in Frankfurt, Miami, Singapore, and Paris, with Dubai confirmed for 2029. This shift inaugurates a four-year rotation that now includes key regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia, signalling intent to broaden engagement beyond traditional centres. ADVERTISEMENT This move underscores Dubai's appeal, anchored in the growth of DIFC, which now hosts nearly 7,000 firms, including the region's fintech core. SWIFT's Rosemary Stone emphasised that expanding SIBOS to diverse locations will lend fresh perspectives vital amid accelerating technological shifts and growing fragmentation risks. SWIFT saw record traffic last year, and the conference consistently draws over 10,000 delegates. UAE Banks Federation and supporting bodies—including DIFC, DWTC, DET and CBUAE—have been credited for bringing SIBOS back to the UAE after its inaugural MENA appearance in 2013. UBF chairman Abdulaziz Al‑Ghurair highlighted that hosting SIBOS 2029 recognises the UAE's leadership in digital payments innovation and its dedication to payment security and efficiency under CBUAE guidance. UBF director‑general Jamal Saleh noted that the federation's National SWIFT User Group, launched in 2021, along with the region's first SWIFT training centre, have built a strong skill base in payments protocols. He said the bid award demonstrates 'global recognition of the UAE's achievements in payments using advanced technologies under CBUAE's guidance'. DIFC's rapid development since 2004 has turned Dubai into SWIFT's 'Gateway to Africa', strategically connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. This position enhances Dubai's role within SWIFT's network of over 11,500 institutions across more than 200 countries. Planners are expected to leverage SIBOS's platform to demonstrate regional innovations, including national payment system strategies, fintech growth, and cyber‑security frameworks. The event offers a showcase for the UAE's ambitions to expand financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, and regulatory maturity. The SIBOS win also supports the federal strategy unveiled by the Central Bank in 2019 to enhance customer experience through secure, innovative payment mechanisms. Observers suggest the conference will spotlight initiatives such as real‑time payment, cross‑border settlement solutions, and cloud‑based financial services. By setting 2029 in Dubai, SWIFT signals that emerging financial ecosystems are not only capable but essential hosts. The planned rotation to include regions beyond the traditional triad marks a pivot in SWIFT's approach, prioritising breadth of perspective as the global banking system navigates fragmentation. UBF and its partners have committed to delivering a polished event, guided by rising standards in event production and stakeholder integration. With backing from SWIFT, CBUAE and government tourism authorities, organisers expect delegates to gain both technical insights and policy‑driven dialogue on future‑proofing global finance.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Hottest investment trends in the UAE: Watch our latest Breakfast Briefing panel event
From global mobility and residence-by-investment to IPO outlooks and the great wealth transfer, this Gulf Business panel event in Dubai on June 25 brought together leading voices to decode the UAE's investment landscape. Speakers included: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtugroup Rahul Singh, MD, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental Sanjay Sachdev, Group Marketing Director, Leptos Estates Vishwajit Patil, SEO, Nuvama Private DIFC Yogesh Khairajani, Global Market Strategist, Century Financial Manasvi Ghelani, Associate Director, Frost & Sullivan Muhammed Hassan, Capital Markets Leader, PwC Damian Hitchen, CEO, Saxo Bank MENA Yasmine Omari, Head of Wealth Planning, Bank of Singapore Gemma Wild, Head of Global Collaboration, MENA GPB, HSBC Dave Chaggar, Sales Director, Capital Club Limited Moderators: Claire Vuylsteke, Director, Orbcom Nigel Sillitoe, CEO, Insight Discovery Karishma Hingorani, Founder, Karishma Konnect
