TIME100 honours Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company and UAE’s G42 among world’s most influential companies in 2025
World
3D printing technology
Nvidia shares surge as it becomes world’s most valuable company again
Shares hit an all-time high of $154.31 on Wednesday, lifting it ahead of Microsoft with a market capitalisation of $3.77 trillion
ceasefire
Iran-Israel conflict: US President Donald Trump receives Nobel Peace Prize nomination for ceasefire deal
“President Trump demonstrated both, offering the world a rare glimpse of hope,” US Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., wrote in his letter to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee
digital payments
New Zealand’s Xero makes big US push with acquisition of Melio
In the biggest acquisition made by a New Zealand company, accounting software giant Xero to buy the New York payments provider for $2.5bn
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and the UK enter one-stop airport security agreement
It ensures that passengers traveling from UK airports via Saudi Arabia will be able to transit without another security screening
Deloitte
Middle East Gen Z and Millennials want purpose, mental well-being and financial security over corporate titles and promotions
Gen Z and millennials in the Middle East are redefining success with focus on purpose and mental health, according to a Deloitte survey
India
US issues major travel advisory to India citing ‘crime’ and ‘terrorism’
The US State Department identified potential targets as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, and government facilities in its travel advisory
Donald Trump
Israel-Iran conflict: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar call for dialogue following US strikes on nuclear facilities
The operation, which marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, has prompted regional calls for restraint and diplomacy
UAE holidays 2025
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
Flight suspensions, a new 4-day work week in Dubai, Saudi Arabia’s dining rule changes, Hijri New Year holidays, and major real estate moves — here are 10 big UAE and Gulf news stories you may have missed this week
Airlines
Revealed: Skytrax names world’s best airlines for 2025
Skytrax reveals 2025 World Airline Award winners with a Middle East national carrier taking top prize
Amazon
Amazon to invest $233mn this year in India to expand operations
Investment to enhance infrastructure, technology and delivery capabilities; a portion of it to be allocated towards employee well-being
Air India
DGCA warned Air India for flying Airbus planes that breached safety rules
The aviation regulator said three Air India Airbus were in active operation despite delayed mandatory inspections on ‘critical emergency equipment’
luxury wellness
Inside Thailand’s wellness boom: A magnet for Middle East luxury travellers
Thailand’s government has played a crucial role in fostering the wellness tourism industry through targeted policies and strategic investments
Expo
PIF launches Expo 2030 Riyadh Company to build landmark giant World Expo site
Saudi Arabia launches Expo 2030 Riyadh Company to deliver $64bn economic boost
Air India
Air India to cut international flights on widebody aircraft by 15%
26 out of its 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft have been cleared after enhanced safety inspection, and it is also conducting similar checks on its entire Boeing 777 fleet
Basketball
Guggenheim Partners’ Mark Walter to buy LA Lakers for world record $10bn
The valuation comfortably beats the previous record for a sports franchise sale of $6.1bn when Boston Celtics got sold in March this year
Billionaire
10 business secrets of the celebrity billionaires: What Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Paul McCartney can teach every entrepreneur
These celebrity billionaires turned fame into billion-dollar businesses. From Taylor Swift’s IP strategy to Jay-Z’s ownership playbook, here’s what professionals at every level can learn about leverage, execution and long-term growth