Accenture‘s recent review of companies’ AI readiness indicated that European businesses are closing the gap on their North American counterparts but face revenue-related fragmentation risks. The professional services player acknowledged the data in its inaugural Accenture AI Progress Barometer would only begin to provide truly meaningful insights in later editions. For now, though, the benchmarking of companies against counterparts in various industries and regions shows greater momentum for European businesses than North American over the past six months. European companies’ AI readiness scores improved by 1.6 points compared with a 1.1-point gain by North American counterparts. Accenture’s measure involves rating…
Author: Editorial Team
MADINAH — More than 1.3 million pilgrims and visitors toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an between 2025 and 2026, underscoring its global standing as one of the world’s leading Islamic and knowledge institutions. The high visitor turnout reflects the complex’s continued advancement in production and technology, utilizing the latest printing techniques to produce copies of the Holy Qur’an to the highest standards of quality, precision, and craftsmanship. The complex has also expanded its media and outreach efforts by enhancing delegation reception programs, organizing guided tours, and enriching multilingual educational and awareness content. These initiatives…
DUBAI, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has awarded the main construction contract for DIFC Heights Tower, an AED3 billion gross development value mixed-use project located within Gate District, to Al Basti & Muktha LLC (ABM), marking a significant milestone in the development of the destination. Located on the final remaining plot within DIFC’s original land bank, DIFC Heights Tower will deliver 366 luxury residences, premium commercial office space, and retail and dining offerings, with completion targeted for 2029. The appointment reinforces DIFC’s continued expansion as a leading global business and lifestyle destination, supporting growing demand…
Sharjah Civil Defence has announced an initiative in an effort to support eeconomic activities in the emirate. The authority said that it introduced a package of facilitation measures which includes a 50 per cent discount on all violations (fines) and a 50 per cent discount on firefighting costs. These financial concessions will cover violations issued from 2019 till 2026 and will be valid for three months starting from June 16, 2026. The authority has also asked members of the public to contact it through official channels or call 06 516 3333 for more information. Stay up to date with the…
In Dubai, there is a growing appetite for a new wave of luxury. It is something we have seen steadily build over recent years, but for a variety of reasons has accelerated significantly in 2026. When I say “luxury”, I think the word itself has evolved. Traditional luxury is so readily available in Dubai that it no longer feels particularly special. Instead, the city’s movers and shakers are seeking experiences that feel personal, exciting, authentic and, above all, unique. Firstly, a disclaimer. This does not by any means suggest that Dubai’s diners are abandoning their tuna crispy rice at Nobu…
JEDDAH — Saudi Border Guard coastal patrols arrested six Bangladeshi residents in Al-Laith governorate in the Makkah region for violating maritime safety regulations by fishing without permits and using prohibited equipment. The Border Guard said legal action was taken against the violators in coordination with the relevant authorities. It urged the public to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s marine resources and called on anyone witnessing violations against the environment or wildlife to report them by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 994 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Border Guard said…
WhatsApp is making preparations to implement usernames across its messaging platform. This change will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers in a move aimed at strengthening privacy. WhatsApp said users can begin reserving optional usernames this week, ahead of a phased global launch of the feature over the coming months. Users who opt-in will be able to message new contacts by exchanging usernames rather than phone numbers. The Meta Platforms-owned service noted the rollout is its “latest step to make WhatsApp even more private” because “a phone number is personal”, adding there will be no searchable public…
As thousands of travellers prepare for their summer holidays, budget Indian carrier Air India Express has restored its full GCC flight network with the resumption of services to all its destinations across the region. The carrier has restored flight services across all its destinations in the Gulf after resuming operations on routes to Kuwait and Salalah which marks the restoration of its West Asia network. The move is expected to improve connectivity for travellers between India and the GCC, particularly those flying from Kerala and Karnataka. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The…
KYIV — At least 17 people have been killed and several dozen injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, which came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of an impending “massive” attack by Moscow. Ukraine’s emergency services said the toll had risen to 17, after Zelensky reported several dead and at least 90 injured in the attacks on Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning. Damage from the strikes also included six floors of an apartment building that had partially collapsed after a direct hit from a Russian projectile,…
DUBAI, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — Standard Chartered today announced the launch of its capability enabling institutional clients to access USDC minting and redemption, developed in partnership with Circle Internet Group, Inc. (Circle), the issuer of USDC through its regulated entities. The launch makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) licensed to offer institutional clients integrated access to USDC minting and redemption through a single onboarding and service experience, without requiring clients to hold direct accounts with Circle. The capability enables institutions to move value across traditional and digital financial ecosystems with greater speed and transparency by…