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Saudi Arabia

Gaza’s Governance Uncertain as Four Competing Models Take Shape

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As a fragile cease-fire holds in Gaza, four competing models for the territory’s governance are emerging, with no clear direction yet established: Hamas Control – Despite suffering significant losses, Hamas still holds power over much of Gaza and seeks to maintain its authority. Israeli Military Presence – Right-wing Israeli leaders advocate for continued military control, possibly expanding their occupation if necessary. International Oversight – Foreign security contractors, invited by Israel, are already managing a key checkpoint in northern Gaza. Some officials suggest this could evolve into broader international stewardship, potentially involving Arab states. Palestinian Authority Administration – The Palestinian Authority (PA), which lost Gaza to Hamas in 2007, has begun staffing the Egypt-Gaza border alongside European security officials, hoping to extend its role across the entire territory. The future of Gaza’s governance will likely hinge on U.S. policy, with Donald Trump set to discuss the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Saudi Arabia could also play a decisive role if it agrees to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a specific governance structure in Gaza. Source: Business Standard

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19th Internet Governance Forum Concludes in Riyadh, Emphasizing Inclusive AI and Digital Innovation

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The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), organized by the United Nations, concluded its sessions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and officials from approximately 160 countries. The forum, themed “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” focused on pivotal topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. A significant highlight was the emphasis on making AI more representative and inclusive, particularly concerning African languages. Professor Vukosi Marivate, Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria and ABSA Chair of Data Science, underscored the challenges faced by many global communities whose languages are underrepresented in AI systems. He noted that the lack of data and computational resources hampers the development of AI that truly reflects these populations. Marivate stressed the importance of developing AI systems that accommodate African languages, enabling individuals to interact with technology in their native tongues. He illustrated this with scenarios in healthcare, where patients and health workers could communicate more effectively using AI tools tailored to their linguistic needs. This approach would reduce the need for translations into dominant languages like English or French, thereby preserving the nuances of native expressions and improving service delivery. By hosting the IGF, Riyadh demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in digital innovation. The event facilitated discussions on international policies and trends in internet governance, fostering collaboration among nations to shape an inclusive and equitable digital future. The forum’s outcomes are expected to influence global digital policies, ensuring that technological advancements, particularly in AI, are developed with inclusivity at their core, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes of all communities. Source: africanews Photo Credit: africanews

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Saudi Arabia Leads Middle East M&A Activity in Chemicals Sector with $500 Million Deals

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In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East’s chemicals sector, according to recent data from financial markets platform Dealogic. The Kingdom recorded $500 million worth of deals in the chemicals sector, highlighting its significant role in the region’s M&A landscape. Dealogic’s figures revealed that Saudi Arabia’s total M&A deal volume for Q1 2024 reached $955 million, with the chemicals sector accounting for a substantial 52.4 percent of this total. Notably, Saudi Arabia was the only country in the Middle East to exhibit activity in the chemicals sector during this period. A report from management consulting firm Kearney earlier this month indicated that chemical industry executives expect increased M&A activity, particularly driven by strategic investors such as national oil companies. “Recent deals by major players like Aramco and ADNOC underscore the region’s commitment to leveraging M&A as a key growth lever, setting the stage for a dynamic and transformative period ahead,” stated Jose Alberich, partner for the Middle East and Africa at Kearney. Beyond the chemicals sector, Dealogic’s data highlighted other targeted sectors in Saudi Arabia. The professional services sector was the second most targeted, with deals worth $160 million, accounting for 16.8 percent of the Kingdom’s total M&A volume. The technology sector followed closely with $138 million in deal value, capturing a 14.5 percent share. Additionally, the retail and insurance sectors represented 7 percent and 4.1 percent of the total, respectively. The broader Middle East M&A landscape saw a targeted deal volume of $6.21 billion in the first three months of the year. The technology sector led with 42 deals worth $1.56 billion, underscoring its growing prominence in the region. However, on a global scale, M&A activity experienced a significant decline during the same period. The number of transactions fell by 31 percent to 7,162, marking one of the quietest quarters for dealmakers in nearly two decades. This global slowdown was largely attributed to high capital costs, with Switzerland being the only major economy to cut interest rates in 2024.

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Saudi Arabia Reports Three New MERS Cases, Highlighting Risks and Differences from COVID-19

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The Saudi health ministry has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of three new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus cases in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sadly, one of these cases resulted in death. All three individuals were male, aged between 56 and 60, with pre-existing health conditions. None of them were healthcare workers. This brings the total number of MERS cases reported in Saudi Arabia in 2024 to four, with two fatalities. Dr. Syed Abdul Aleem, a Pulmonology Consultant at CARE Hospitals in Musheerabad, Hyderabad, explains that MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS strain of coronavirus. Unlike COVID-19, MERS tends to be more severe with a higher mortality rate but is less contagious. It is primarily transmitted from camels to humans, with limited human-to-human transmission. Risk factors for MERS-CoV include close contact with camels or living in endemic regions, along with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease. Symptoms are similar to COVID-19, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but MERS can progress to severe respiratory illness, leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some individuals may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Management involves supportive care, with severe cases requiring hospitalization and supportive measures like supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. There is no specific antiviral treatment for MERS, but prevention measures include avoiding close contact with camels, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick individuals. This highlights the importance of understanding the differences between MERS and COVID-19 and taking appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and manage cases effectively.  

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