Al Bawaba - Daily Headlines

Anti-Islam group protests in Woolwich after brutal attack leaves "soldier" dead

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:15:41 +0000

British police on Wednesday arrested two people as they tried to quell anti-Islamist disorder following the brutal murder in London of a man, believed to be a soldier.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in Braintree, east of London, after reportedly walking into a mosque with a knife shortly after news broke of the London murder.

Local lawmaker Brooks Newmark wrote on Twitter: “Local mosque in Braintree attacked by man with knives and incendiary device. Man arrested. No one injured.”

New company, New record: An exciting season awaits Sherine Abdel Wahab

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:49:38 +0000

Things are rolling for Sherine Abdel Wahab’s musical career. The Egyptian songstress partied hardy at the Nogoum Records headquarters in the Egyptian Media Production City. According to the online magazine Laha, the event was held to celebrate the grand opening of the company's new high tech recording studios that are equipped with state of the art equipment imported from one of the biggest electronic companies in England.

Knife wielding duo butcher, behead suspected soldier in South London

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:43:37 +0000

British counter-terrorism police were Thursday investigating the murder of a man thought to be a soldier, who was butchered and beheaded on a busy London street by two men shouting Islamist slogans.

The attackers, wielding knives including a meat cleaver, carried out the attack a few hundred metres (yards) from the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, southeast London, then delivered an Islamist tirade to passers-by.

Friends of Syria warn Assad of repercussions of not committing to peace

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:23:51 +0000

World powers urged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to commit to peace but warned Thursday that if he fails to negotiate a political transition they would boost their backing of the opposition.

The stark warning came from a meeting of the Friends of Syria group, which held talks on Wednesday in Amman to try to agree the contours of a peace conference to end the war.

The conflict, now in its third year, has claimed some 94,000 lives.

Sidky's "Intimacy" on display for all to see at Picasso Art Gallery

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:53:05 +0000

There is a sense of familiarity that hits you as soon as you enter Dr Saria Sidky’s new exhibition at the Picasso Art Gallery in Zamalek. It is as if the characters in the paintings are inviting you to come and chat with them.

No hello to Holland from Hani. Singer says no to concert venue change

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:42:03 +0000

Contrary to fans’ worst fears, Hani Shaker is doing just fine, no terminal illness keeping him from flying to Holland for a performance. What really led the Egyptian singer to cancel the concert in Dutch land was probs with an incompetent Amsterdam event organizer.

ME digital ad spend to increase 10 times in 5 years - expert

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Digital advertising spend in the Middle East currently stands at between eight to 10 per cent of the total ad spend, and is expected to grow rapidly in the next five years, according to an industry expert.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Media Forum, Dimitri Metaxas, executive regional director- Digital at OMG MENA said that he expects online ad spend to continue growing at around 25 to 30 per cent year-on-year.

“So potentially – if all the factors and particular variables align – we could reach $1 billion in five years from now,” he told Gulf Business.

Development Bank increases capital three folds to $150 billion

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The Islamic Development Bank Group has decided to increase its authorized capital from $ 45 billion (30 billion Islamic dinars) to $ 150 billion (100 billion dinars) on the recommendation of the two extraordinary Islamic summits held in Makkah.

The capital increase will enable IDB to meet the growing development requirements of its 56 member countries and carry out its development mission in a more efficient manner, an official statement said.

The decision was taken by IDB’s board of governors at their meeting in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe. Minister of Finance Ibrahim

Dubai bling culture reaches 24-carat iPads

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Burj Al Arab has introduced 24-carat gold iPads for its in-house guests, complete with interactive software that provides them with faster access to hotel services and information.

The 24-carat gold iPads, designed specifically for the hotel and engraved with its logo, will be offered to every guest upon check-in.

They can use the luxury models as a ‘virtual concierge’, providing access to restaurant options and spa menu, as well as private dining, butler and housekeeping services, among other options.

Oman Air boosts fleet with three new A330-300

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has placed an order for three A330-300s, growing its A330 Family fleet to a total of ten Airbus aircraft, according to a press release on Wednesday.

The aircraft will be operated on long haul routes and can comfortably seat close to 300 passengers.

“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s already make the pillar of Oman Air’s long haul operations,” said Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman Air.