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.

Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister as Starmer resigns

Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer after being invited by King Charles III to form a government. The former Manchester mayor, Britain's seventh PM in a decade, promised "a circuit breaker for Britain."
International

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, ending a tightly contested final with a decisive breakthrough.
Football

Qantas says yes to 25% Qatari stake in Virgin Australia

Qantas is open to Qatar Airways’ 25% stake in Virgin Australia, fostering more competition as both airlines aim to strengthen their networks. Qantas’ focus remains on ultra-long-haul routes to Europe, bypassing the need for Gulf stopovers.
Economy

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Capital secures $3.1bn for middle-market investments

Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital raises $3.1 billion for its private equity fund, targeting middle-market companies while expanding its global investment footprint. Recent acquisitions include Fortress Investment Group and Bugaboo.
Abu Dhabi

Qatar’s economic power grows with LNG boost and diverse investments

TLDR: • LNG production drives revenue growth • Credit ratings reflect fiscal restraint • Non-oil sectors boost economic stability DOHA (The Thursday Times) — Qatar’s economy continues to...
Economy

UAE partners with IMF, vows contribution to poverty alleviation, climate funds

The UAE has signed two agreements with the IMF, contributing to funds aimed at poverty reduction and climate resilience.
Economy

IMF pins UAE economic growth at 5.1% for FY2025

The UAE's economy is set to grow by 5.1% in 2025, driven by strong non-oil sectors and structural reforms, according to the IMF. Diversification and public investment are key growth factors.
Economy

Saudi Arabia ramps up agricultural output with $10bn inflow to private sector FDI

Saudi Arabia secures $9.8B private investment to drive agriculture growth under Vision 2030, with tech and sustainability focus. Incentives like loans and infrastructure improvements will enhance food security in the Kingdom.
Economy

Financiers flock to Riyadh for ‘Davos in the Desert’ FII conference

Financiers will gather in Riyadh from October 29 to 31 for Saudi Arabia's 8th Future Investment Initiative. Vision 2030 needs urgent foreign investment amidst tighter budgets, as Saudi eyes foreign investment.
Economy

UAE mosques to install EV charging stations in governmental clean energy project

UAE mosques will soon have EV charging stations as part of a new energy efficiency project. The initiative supports the country’s green mobility and sustainability goals.
Clean Energy

Dubai’s aviation industry set to add $53 billion to GDP by 2030

Dubai’s aviation sector will contribute nearly one-third of GDP by 2030 but faces hurdles due to Boeing’s aircraft delays. Emirates is scaling up Airbus orders to meet demand.
Dubai

UAE tops MENA bond market growth, drives sustainable investments: LSE Deputy CEO

LSE Deputy CEO highlights the UAE's dominance in MENA bond markets, driven by its leadership in sustainable investments. Strategic partnerships are key to this success, propelling growth in infrastructure and green finance sectors.
Dubai

عمران خان کی رہائی کے لیے 60 سے زائد امریکی ارکانِ کانگریس نے امریکی صدر کو خط لکھ دیا

عمران خان کی رہائی کے لیے 60 سے زائد امریکی ارکانِ کانگریس نے صدر بائیڈن کو خط لکھ کر ان کی فوری رہائی کا مطالبہ کیا ہے۔ خط میں عمران خان سمیت تمام سیاسی قیدیوں کی رہائی پر زور دیتے ہوئے امریکی انتظامیہ سے انسانی حقوق کو اپنی پالیسی کا اہم حصہ بنانے کی اپیل کی گئی ہے۔
International

Saudi Arabia secures over $2bn through multi-tranche sukuk offering

Saudi Arabia raises SAR 7.8 billion from a multi-tranche sukuk issuance, continuing its commitment to Islamic finance. The issuance spans five tranches with the largest maturing in 2039.
Economy