UAE Reports 1,234 New COVID-19 Cases

A vistor wears a mask during the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
A vistor wears a mask during the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
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UAE Reports 1,234 New COVID-19 Cases

A vistor wears a mask during the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
A vistor wears a mask during the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike

UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, said it carried out over 71,466 additional COVID-19 tests in the country over the last 24 hours, using the latest testing methods.

The Ministry said in a statement that the intense testing drive uncovered 1,234 new cases of various nationalities, who are all in a stable condition and receiving the necessary medical treatment. This brings the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 135,141.

MoHAP also announced one COVID-19-related death, taking the country's death toll to 497, state news agency WAM reported.

The Ministry went on to express its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished current COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery.

It also announced the recovery of an additional 1,516 individuals from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 132,024.

The Ministry called on the public to cooperate with health authorities and adhere to social distancing protocols and preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of all



Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Thursday a telephone call with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

During the call, Prince Faisal and Berri discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and an end to Israeli attacks.

The Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the stability of Lebanon and to strengthening its state institutions.

Berri praised the Kingdom’s role and its continuous efforts in supporting Lebanon’s security and the broader stability of the region.

He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to the Taif Agreement and its rejection of any actions that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, SPA reported.

During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, in addition to discussing a number of topics and mutual interest.


Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship.

The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth, SPA reported.

Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period.

This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship.

These milestones result from integrated efforts between government entities like the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the private sector, and academic institutions.