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.

U.S. adviser commends Shehbaz, Dar for Pakistan’s peace efforts

A senior adviser to President Trump used a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to publicly praise Pakistan’s role in mediation, regional stability and ongoing peace efforts.
International

Pakistan opens 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students

The second phase of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor is set to launch soon, with Islamabad offering 500 scholarships at leading universities in a move that highlights growing educational and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
International

Qatar writes off private-sector loans to fuel non-oil business growth

Qatar writes off SME loans to support non-oil economic growth, aiming to boost private sector viability and ease banking pressures.
Doha

UAE exempts crypto transfers, conversions from 5% VAT surcharge

The UAE exempts cryptocurrency transfers and conversions from VAT, effective from November 2024, with retroactive application from 2018.
Abu Dhabi

Canada and India expel diplomats in escalating dispute over Khalistan activist assassination

Tensions between Canada and India escalate as both nations expel diplomats over the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, spawning questions over alleged Indian government links.
International

Dubai RTA’s auction raises 70 million dirhams with exclusive vehicle plates

Dubai's RTA raked in millions from its latest auction, with premium vehicle plates like AA17 fetching over AED8 million. The auction showcased rare plates, drawing bidders seeking symbols of prestige and individuality.
Dubai

Al Maktoum International: Inside Dubai’s $35bn future-proof airport replacing DXB

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become the world’s largest, replacing DXB within 10 years. With a $34.8 billion investment, it will handle up to 260 million passengers annually, transforming Dubai into a global aviation and logistics hub.
tt_gulf Dubai

Saudi Arabia threatens $50 oil barrel market flood if Russia doesn’t cut production

Saudi Arabia has threatened to drop oil prices to $50 per barrel if Russia and other OPEC+ members fail to reduce production, potentially sparking a new oil price war.
tt_gulf International

Dubai Islamic Bank launches $500m sukuk with competitive 5.25% profit rate

Dubai Islamic Bank successfully issued a $500m Basel III-compliant AT1 sukuk at a 5.25% profit rate, marking the lowest global AT1 spread since 2009.
tt_gulf Dubai

Saudi Arabia acquires 40% of Selfridges Group to drive European luxury retail interests

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired a 40% stake in Selfridges Group, partnering with Central Group, which holds the remaining 60%, to strengthen the luxury retailer's financial position and drive future growth.
tt_gulf International

Saudi Arabia poised to sell $10bn in Saudi Aramco shares to boost Public Investment Fund

Saudi Arabia is poised to sell at least $10 billion in Saudi Aramco shares to boost its Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. This sale follows the record-setting 2019 IPO and aims to further enhance the PIF’s assets amid ongoing mega-projects.
tt_gulf International

Who was Ratan Tata? A visionary who elevated the Tata Group to global prominence

Ratan Tata, the former Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, transformed the conglomerate into a global powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and visionary leadership.
International

بنگلہ دیش کے ٹکا کرنسی نوٹوں سے شیخ مجیب کی تصویر ہٹانے کا فیصلہ: بنگلہ دیش بینک

بنگلہ دیش کی عبوری حکومت نے کرنسی نوٹوں کے بڑے پیمانے پر ڈیزائن کی تبدیلی کا اعلان کیا ہے، جس میں ٹکا 20، 100، 500 اور 1,000 کے نوٹوں سے شیخ مجیب الرحمان کی تصویر ہٹائی جائے گی۔ وزارتِ خزانہ نے بنگلہ دیش بینک کو نئے ڈیزائن کی تجاویز جلد از جلد جمع کرانے کی ہدایت کی ہے۔
International

Bangladesh to remove Sheikh Mujib’s likeness from Taka banknotes

Bangladesh's interim government has announced a major redesign of their Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) currency notes, starting with Tk20, Tk100, Tk500, and Tk1,000, removing the image of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
International