Saudi fintech sector thrives, boosting non-oil trade with GCC by 600% in Q2 2024.
Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari emphasized the remarkable growth in the Kingdom's fintech sector under Saudi Vision 2030 during the inaugural International Conference on Financial Technology, '24 Fintech.
Following this financial advancement, Saudi Arabia's non-oil trade surplus with Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw an impressive 600% increase in Q2 2024, highlighting a significant boost in exports to the UAE and Bahrain.
Meanwhile,
Pope Francis has embarked on a historic 12-day peace and dialogue tour across Asia and Oceania, which includes key stops in Jakarta, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore to foster interreligious harmony.
In other news, the Philippines is facing devastation from Tropical Storm Enteng and monsoon rains, with 10 lives lost and thousands displaced. The government is actively responding with emergency aid and has declared a state of calamity in Northern Samar due to severe flooding.
On a positive note, the World Health Organization has surpassed its polio vaccination goals in Gaza amid ceasefire efforts, successfully immunizing over 161,000 children within the first two days of the campaign.
Lastly, in Israel, Ground Forces Chief Tamir Yadai has resigned amidst heightened conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, though he is expected to assume other significant roles within the army.