Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with PayPal CEO Alex Christ to discuss cooperation in digital payment systems, e-commerce development, and empowering SMEs in the UAE.

The Central Bank of Egypt's Monetary Policy Committee meets today to decide the interest rate amid expectations of a possible 1% cut, while some parties believe rates may remain steady due to anticipated fuel price hikes impacting inflation.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply recorded over 100 violations in bakeries during the first nine months of the year, including failure to provide large bread and selling at prices above the official rates. Violators were referred to the judiciary with fines and imprisonment penalties applied.

The Greater Amman Municipality has issued new instructions for controlling violations and assaults on public parks, gardens, and urban spaces for 2025, including inspection plans and defining agriculture and forestry inspectors' responsibilities.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber organized a roundtable for family businesses in New York with participation from leading companies from the UAE and the US to strengthen economic partnerships and highlight investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi.

Japan's Nikkei index rose 0.87% on Thursday, ending a four-day losing streak, boosted by gains in chipmakers following the U.S. semiconductor index's record high. Meanwhile, the broader Topix index fell 0.24%. Tokyo Electron shares surged 7.88%.

Contact was lost with the Alma ship, the main vessel of the Steadfast Fleet aiming to break the Gaza blockade, amid heightened alert and sighting of a large warship nearby. The fleet declared maximum alert after unidentified ships approached.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources witnessed the signing of five investment agreements between Saudi and Vietnamese companies during the Saudi-Vietnamese Business Forum in Hanoi, focusing on construction, infrastructure, advanced furniture, training, and tourism sectors to boost investment partnerships.

The European Commission calls on member states to create tax-privileged investment accounts to channel a larger share of the estimated 10 trillion euros in European household savings into capital markets, aiming to boost growth, innovation, and job creation.

The International Refining, Petrochemicals, and Downstream Industries Conference and Exhibition opened under the patronage of Crown Prince Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with the participation of over 5,000 experts and officials. The event discussed the latest innovations and challenges in the oil, gas, and downstream industries in the Gulf region.