News
– Pakistan accounts for about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic update. The measure uses the international extreme poverty line of
Business
– The African Union officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, or AfCRA, in Mauritius on October 7. The new institution will focus on African sovereigns, companies and other issuers. AfCRA plans to provide independent credit assessments using African data,
Health
European leaders confirmed substantial financial commitments to strengthen medical infrastructure across the African continent ahead of the World Health Summit in Berlin. Official reports detail that the EU announces investment in health of almost €170 million to support resilient medical
Travel
– Air Arabia will launch nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport and Amman City Airport on November 15, 2026. The new route will operate four times each week and expand the carrier’s network between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
– Air Arabia will resume daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode, India, on October 16, 2026. The service will restore a direct air link between the UAE emirate and the coastal city in Kerala. The airline announced
– Dubai-based airline flydubai is participating in the inaugural Syria Travel Show taking place in Damascus from 28th to 30th September 2026. The three-day exhibition, held under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, brings together regional aviation executives,
Emirates has officially entered the northern winter travel period with robust forward booking metrics across its international passenger route network. The Dubai-based flag carrier concluded its summer operational cycle ahead of initial corporate projections, supported by sustained leisure and premium
Etihad Airways will launch year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast on Oct. 4, 2026. The service will connect Zayed International Airport with Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk Province. Etihad will start with one weekly
Indonesia reopened Jakarta’s main airport and several regional airports Tuesday after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel. More than 340,000 travelers faced delays, cancellations or diversions during the disruption. Nearly 3,000 flights across Indonesia felt the impact. Authorities
Low-cost carrier operator Air Arabia announced a strategic expansion of its Southeast Asian operations on Friday, increasing flight frequencies between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Starting October 25, 2026, the airline will introduce a fourth daily non-stop service connecting
Air Arabia will launch nonstop flights between Sharjah and Gdansk on Dec. 14, 2026. The new route will link Sharjah International Airport with Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport five times each week. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and
Technology
– The European Commission has proposed a new EU Critical Communication System to connect first responders across European borders. The plan would link national networks used by police, firefighters, emergency medical services and civil protection teams. It covers all EU


