Trust is extremely valuable for markets and the economy. In its absence, though, technology might prove to be the next best thing. Doing business would be really easy if people could all trust each other. In rural parts of Japan, for example, it’s common to see unattended produce stands where farmers leave fruits and vegetables for sale. Customers pay ...

  This week, the European Union’s finance ministers granted some new debt relief to Greece. The new “short-term” measures are better than nothing — but they’re less than a convincing solution to a problem that has dragged on far too long. The deal, sketched out and agreed to in principle earlier this year, should help the Greek government convince voters ...

  Syrian army continues to make gains in Aleppo. On Wednesday regime forces took control of the Aleppo’s Old City as rebels retreated. Assad forces have retaken more than three-quarters of opposition territory since the offensive launched in November. More than 80,000 people have fled their homes in eastern neighbourhoods. After three weeks of fighting that has witnessed unprecedented aggression, ...

  Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business The seventh annual SIAL Middle East exhibition, the fastest growing event for the region’s food, drink and hospitality sectors, concluded yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with a record number of visitors and deals worth billions of dirhams conclude. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ...

  Ras Al Khaimah / Emirates Business RAK Properties PJSC, Ras Al Khaimah’s largest property developer listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, signed a AED 30 million enabling works contract with Al Nuaimi Group for its upcoming Anantara Resort & Spa within the Mina Al Arab development. The contract between Al Nauimi Group and RAK Properties includes piling and ...

  Dubai / Emirates Business Mai Dubai, the Dubai-based bottled drinking water company, commissioned Swisslog to automate its storage and distribution logistics at its new mega expansion project in Dubai in order to reach its 2020 goals. The order value of the project amounts to 21 million US dollars. As Swisslog builds on its strengths in logistics in the food ...

  Sharjah / Emirates Business City Centre Sharjah—one of the emirate’s largest shopping destinations, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa —will offer unparalleled shopping opportunities to residents and visitors in the Emirate, this holiday season. During the festive season, shoppers will have the chance ...

  Dubai / Emirates Business The 21st edition of the Middle East’s most influential jewellery show has opened its doors, unveiling thousands of unique, breath-taking jewellery pieces, offering visitors a one of a kind shopping opportunity. The show floor displays more than 10,000 glittering designs from across the globe and the four-day jewellery extravaganza will run until December 10 at ...

  Aleppo / AFP Rebels in Aleppo called for a five-day truce and the evacuation of civilians on Wednesday after losing more than three quarters of their territory including the Old City to a Syrian army offensive. In the face of a blistering assault by forces loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad, the rebels were reported to have retreated on Wednesday from ...

  Aden / AFP Around 40 people were missing off the Yemeni island of Socotra on Wednesday after a cargo vessel carrying islanders home from the mainland sank in the Indian Ocean, authorities said. Nineteen people were rescued from the water after a major search operation was launched in the early hours, Yemeni Fisheries Minister Fahd Kavieen said. The first two ...