International
The Thursday Times brings the globe into focus, delivering clear, comprehensive reporting on pivotal events shaping nations and communities. With The Thursday Times‘ on-the-ground insights and expert analysis, we connect readers to the stories that matter across borders, helping make sense of our fast-changing world.
Pakistan awards 23 offshore oil exploration blocks in first bidding round since 2007
ISLAMABAD (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Pakistan has awarded 23 offshore oil and gas exploration blocks in its first bidding round since 2007, marking renewed interest in the country’s underexplored maritime energy sector.
The Ministry of Energy said the licences were granted to four consortiums led by domestic companies including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Mari Energies and Prime Energy, a subsidiary...
King Charles strips his brother, Prince Andrew, of royal titles
King Charles has removed Prince Andrew’s titles, with Andrew now to be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following renewed scrutiny after Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir; royal warrants have been issued, his lease on Royal Lodge has been surrendered, and he is expected to move to private accommodation on the Sandringham estate.
Saudi launches AI guide SARA to transform tourist experience
Saudi Tourism Authority launches SARA, an AI-powered guide offering travellers insights on Saudi cultural sites, enhancing the digital tourism experience.
Tim Walz says ‘difficult to understand’ why people voted for Trump
Tim Walz rallies Minnesotans after election loss, pledging to defend their values and calling for unity; he urges for compassion in navigating political divides, but admits it was "difficult to understand" why people voted for Trump.
Elon Musk joins Trump-Zelenskyy call, signals new foreign policy influence
Elon Musk joined a Trump-Zelenskyy call, hinting at a potential foreign policy role as Ukraine acknowledges Musk’s support amid the ongoing Russian conflict.
Trump accepts Biden’s invite for lunch at White House
US president-elect Donald Trump is to head to the White House "very shortly" for incumbent President Joe Biden's lunch invite; the two are to meet for transition talks as Trump intensifies border plans and secures positions for his cabinet
Republicans close in on House majority
Republicans near House majority as remaining results are tallied; Senate looks set to support Trump’s policy aims, with crucial battlegrounds in Arizona and Nevada.
Talabat set for billion-dollar IPO debut on Dubai Financial Market
Talabat is preparing for a billion-dollar Dubai IPO, driven by the MENA’s surging demand for digital delivery. Delivery Hero’s strategic debt reduction will be a key factor in how well the IPO performs on the DFM.
Trump names loyalist political consultant Susie Wiles as chief of staff
President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles — the political consultant who largely led his re-election campaign — as White House chief of staff, signalling a disciplined administration with trusted allies filling top roles.
GCC banks cut rates in sync with Fed
Banks across the GCC — including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE — have mirrored the US Federal Reserve's rate cut, with interest rate reductions aiming to bolster credit-driven growth in the Gulf.
UAE aligns with Fed’s rate cut, cuts Base Rate to 25 basis points
The UAE cuts its base rate following the Fed's recent move, aligning policies to tackle inflation while maintaining short-term lending flexibility. This decision signals UAE’s adaptive approach to global economic shifts.
Tesla, banks, and oil soar, renewables dip on Trump win
U.S. election fuels stock shifts as banking, Tesla, and oil gain, while renewables dip amid policy concerns. A Trump victory reshapes investor priorities and impacts global markets.
Putin backs Trump presidency, open to U.S. reset
Russian president Vladimir Putin has lauded U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s resilience during an assassination attempt, and signalled Moscow’s readiness for renewed U.S.-Russia dialogue, with cautious optimism on Ukraine.
Biden pledges peaceful transition of power, urges to “bring down” the temperature
Biden’s first White House speech after the November 5 elections strikes a patriotic chord, urging Americans to trust democracy and accept the results of the election, to "continue to love America", honour election workers, and embrace unity in turbulent times.
