العربية

News of October 9, 2026

News

Malaysia Closes Schools in Capital, Parts of Country Due to Haze

Malaysia closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country on Friday, as haze from fires in neighboring Indonesia again plunged local air quality to among the world's worst. Toxic smoke from peatland and forest fires has shrouded cities in the region for more than a month, sending respiratory complaints skyrocketing. The school closures came as Malaysia's leader discussed the choking smoke with his Indonesian counterpart and called for an urgent regional meeting.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

Science

Inside the deadlock at the world's top climate science body

By Kate Abnett and Sudarshan VaradhanBRUSSELS/SINGAPORE, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The decision was expected to take minutes. But after nearly three years of debate, members of the world’s leading authority on climate change still can’t agree on a timeline to publish its next review of the latest science on the warming planet.

Al-Monitor

Science

Underwater Surprise: Sharks Can Hear Sounds from 75 Meters Away

Sharks can hear sounds from considerable distances underwater and even tell where they are coming from, according to a new study that debunks the common misconception that the predators can only detect nearby sounds. Researchers say blacktip sharks can hear from about 75 meters away and respond by quickly changing direction. Since blacktips seasonally gather off southeast Florida, they offer a rare opportunity to observe free-swimming sharks in clear, shallow water. Blacktip sharks gather in large numbers along the Palm Beach County coast every year.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

News

Israeli Army Says One Soldier Killed, Three Wounded in South Lebanon

The Israeli army said Thursday that one soldier was killed and three others were slightly wounded in south Lebanon, where the military has occupied a band of territory since invading in March in response to Hezbollah attacks. "Captain Eliav Haim Tzapalamus, aged 21, from Haifa, a combat officer in the 603rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, fell in combat in southern Lebanon," the army said. Tzapalamus is the 17th Israeli soldier to be killed since a ceasefire was reached in June between Israel and Hezbollah.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

Business

WTO Raises 2026 Global Merchandise Trade Growth Forecast to 3.9% On AI Boom

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has upgraded its global merchandise trade growth forecast for 2026 to 3.9%, a significant jump from its previous 1.9% projection made in March. The upward revision is primarily driven by surging investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptable supply chains, which have successfully cushioned economic shocks from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The latest WTO Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report expects 4.1% growth in 2027, up from a previous forecast of 2.6%, and marginally below 2025 trade volume growth of 4.2%.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

News

Pakistani premier condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Pakistani premier condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in casualties. "I commend the vigilance and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces and the Coalition in intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and their tireless efforts to protect innocent lives and safeguard the Kingdom," he said in a post on X. He added t…

Middle East Eye

News

We stand firmly and in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, says Pakistan PM

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong solidarity with Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks, condemning the targeting of airports that resulted in casualties. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and right to defend its people, calling for an immediate cessation of Houthi aggression.

Arab News

Politics

Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Talks with Egyptian Counterpart, Arab League Chief

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Thursday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy to discuss the latest attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Abdelatty condemned the attacks on Abha and King Khalid International airports, warning that assaults on Saudi territory threaten regional security and stability. He reaffirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for safeguarding its security, stability and territorial integrity.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

News

UK, UN, Arab and Islamic Bodies Condemn Houthi Attacks on Abha and King Khalid Airports

The UK, United Nations, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Palestine, Sudan, Al-Azhar, and the Arab Parliament have strongly condemned Houthi militia attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Abha and King Khalid airports, reaffirming their rejection of attacks on civilian infrastructure and calling for regional security and stability to be maintained. In a statement issued on Thursday, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) affirmed that the United Kingdom stands alongside Saudi Arabia in the face of reckless attacks by the Houthi militia.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

Technology

World Bank Praises Saudi Arabia’s Experience in Data Governance and AI Development

In its regional economic report for the Middle East and North Africa, the World Bank highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s experience in data governance and the development of national infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence (AI). The report —released in October 2026 and titled "From Gap to Opportunity: AI, Jobs, and Growth"— underscored the Kingdom's progress in developing AI models and computing capabilities, as well as in technology investments, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

Asharq Al-Awsat English

Politics

Trump rules out new attack on Iran until after midterms as oil prices spike

Trump rules out new attack on Iran until after midterms as oil prices spike US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out new attacks on Iran until after the November mid-term elections, following several reports that Washington is gearing up for a new round of escalation. "We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on…

Middle East Eye

More