{"id":94190,"date":"2025-02-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2025\/02\/09\/hajj-registration-open-for-saudi-citizens-residents-al-baik-inches-closer-to-pakistan\/"},"modified":"2025-02-09T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-09T00:00:00","slug":"hajj-registration-open-for-saudi-citizens-residents-al-baik-inches-closer-to-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2025\/02\/09\/hajj-registration-open-for-saudi-citizens-residents-al-baik-inches-closer-to-pakistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Hajj registration open for Saudi citizens, residents + Al Baik inches closer to Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Good morning, ladies and gents. <\/strong>We kick off the week with big news for the Kingdom in sports, as well as the latest on debt and energy markets, and a lot more.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In today\u2019s issue: <\/strong>The PIF is reportedly in partnership for a USD 5 bn basketball megatournament that will compete with the NBA, and is engaged in talks with Italy\u2019s Sace for EUR 3 bn in loan guarantees. Meanwhile, Ma\u2019aden kicked off its USD-denominated sukuk, and Acwa Power signed a flurry of agreements at ID25. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">HAPPENING TODAY-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong><a id=\"wwtt1\"><\/a> <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/onegiantleap.com\/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=awareness&utm_campaign=leap25&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSBz3wEr-jwQUv4anTN34AABD2USIz5sBMWgLDV_MA9lmMKz2Z2hC4gaAtp-EALw_wcB\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">LEAP 2<\/a><\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/onegiantleap.com\/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=awareness&utm_campaign=leap25&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSBz3wEr-jwQUv4anTN34AABD2USIz5sBMWgLDV_MA9lmMKz2Z2hC4gaAtp-EALw_wcB\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">025<\/a><\/strong><strong> ki<\/strong><strong>cks off today at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center <\/strong><strong>in Malham<\/strong> and wraps on Wednesday, 12 February. The tech event will bring together over 1.8k global tech brands, 1k experts, and upwards of 680 startups. It will feature over 300 hours of content across 17 tracks, covering AI, fintech, edtech, smart cities, and more. Last year\u2019s event saw more than 215k visitors. You can sign up <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/onegiantleap.com\/tickets?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=leap25&utm_content=awareness\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Co-located with LEAP is <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/deepfest.com\/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=delprom&utm_campaign=deepfest25&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSAs6go_HF8cfSJzWZ7cLnuG1235sUKrj5zA4e36unoL1XlBEADPABQaAkypEALw_wcB\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">DeepFest<\/a><\/strong>, a major AI-focused event that brings together AI researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and academics under one roof.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>WEATHER- <\/strong>Riyadh is looking at a high of 19\u00b0C and a low of 9\u00b0C today, while Jeddah\u2019s mercury is set to peak at 28\u00b0C and hit a low of 18\u00b0C. Meanwhile, Makkah will see a 30\u00b0C high and a 16\u00b0C low.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">HAPPENING THIS WEEK-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The two-da<\/strong><strong>y <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pif.gov.sa\/en\/events\/psf-2025\/?sc_camp=4FD4FC08460C4E7A81DCCEA3CCCF765B&utm_source=x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=event-psf-2025\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">PIF Private Sec<\/a><\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pif.gov.sa\/en\/events\/psf-2025\/?sc_camp=4FD4FC08460C4E7A81DCCEA3CCCF765B&utm_source=x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=event-psf-2025\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">tor Forum<\/a><\/strong><strong> begins on Wednesday, 12 February<\/strong> at King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event looks to bridge connections between the wealth fund, its portfolio companies and private sector players while promoting localization and enhancing supply chains in vital sectors. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">PSAs- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>#1-<\/strong><strong> Happy founding day: <\/strong>This year\u2019s founding day falls on Saturday, 22 February, which will be an official vacation for both the public and private sectors, the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry said in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HRSD_SP\/status\/1887554905478471991\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">a post on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong><a id=\"wwtt2\"><\/a> #2-<\/strong> <strong>The Hajj an<\/strong><strong>d Umrah Ministry kicked off registration for the <\/strong><strong>1446 Hajj season for <\/strong><strong>Saudi <\/strong><strong>citizens and residents<\/strong>, it said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HajMinistry\/status\/1887911295636078731\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">post on X<\/a>. Registration can be completed via the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hajj.nusuk.sa\/registration\/signup\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Nusuk platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>#3-<\/strong><strong> Investors can <\/strong><strong>now apply for seven agricultural investment prospects in Al Baha <\/strong>the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture put up on the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/furas.momah.gov.sa\/ar\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Furas<\/a> online platform, it said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MEWA_KSA\/status\/1887207113971192005\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">post on X<\/a>. This includes four agricultural cities for coffee production in Al Janabain, a city for prickly pear cultivation in Al Baha, a fruit nursery in Qalwah, and a land for fruit and citrus trees cultivation in Al Makhwah<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> WATCH THIS SPACE-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong> #1-<\/strong><strong> Netanyahu wants a Palestinian state on Saudi lands: <\/strong>Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that \u201cthe Saudis can create a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have a lot of land over there,\u201d the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jpost.com\/middle-east\/article-841082#google_vignette\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Jerusalem Post<\/a> reports, citing a televised interview with Israel\u2019s Channel 14. Netanyahu also added he \u201cwould not make an agreement that would endanger the State of Israel,\u201d responding to a question about Saudi\u2019s pre-conditions regarding Palestinian statehood.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>IN CONTEXT- <\/strong>Netanyahu\u2019s latest comments follow US President Donald Trump proposed a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/057d685f-d795-4bf5-b6ac-a673448db4d4\/derayah-secures-al-olayan-as-cornerstone-investor-in-upcoming-ipo\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">US takeover of the Gaza Strip<\/a> to turn it into \u201cthe Riviera of the Middle East,\u201d calling for the forced displacement of all 2.2 mn Palestinians residing in the territory. The Kingdom issued <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/cf84288c-927d-4c1e-bf14-566768912af3\/saudi-reiterates-normalization-with-israel-is-conditional-on-a-palestinian-state,-rejects-resettlement-calls\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">a statement<\/a> in response, rejecting settlement, annexation or displacement of Palestinians as \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d with new or old US administrations.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong><a id=\"wwtt3\"><\/a> <\/strong><strong>#2- <\/strong><strong>Al Baik inches closer to Pakistan: <\/strong>Al Baik is in the \u201cfinal stages\u201d of establishing its presence in the Asian country, following trade discussions between Pakistan\u2019s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan in Jeddah, according to the country\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/pid.gov.pk\/site\/press_detail\/28011#:~:text=During%20the%20discussions%2C%20Albaik%20confirmed,ties%20between%20the%20two%20nations\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Press Information Department<\/a>. Khan discussed with business leaders prospects for Saudi products broaching the Pakistani market during the meeting, highlighting potential collaborations in energy, health, IT, agriculture, infrastructure, and consumer goods.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>REMEMBER- <\/strong>The homegrown fast food chain signed an MoU with energy firm Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (Go) <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/3b1f6ef3-7ca4-41df-a517-f09596b1244c\/fdi-inflows-rise-in-2q-2024#:~:text=%236%2D%20AlBaik%20to%20tap%20into%20Pakistan%3A%20Homegrown%20food%20chain%20AlBaik%20signed%20an%20MoU\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">in October<\/a> to launch Al Baik restaurants in Pakistan, after some <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/f559b181-a85c-48ec-aae5-2b8ff817798f\/saudi-businessmen-agree-to-invest-usd-2-bn-in-pakistan\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">USD 2 bn agreements<\/a> were signed between Pakistani and Saudi businesses. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>#3-<\/strong><strong>Fitness c<\/strong><strong>hain <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bodymastersksa.com\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">BodyMasters<\/a><\/strong><strong> and car-rental firm <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iyelo.com\/en\/booking\/create-booking?utm_source=google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=AO&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3mPTVtu8za1ccx0V42peB-Hv4qMXSJul2Rx9SvOT6_Q9LJTPATaeGhoCHN4QAvD_BwE\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Yelo<\/a><\/strong><strong> are the latest in a string of <\/strong><strong>companies gearing up for an IPO on Tadawul\u2019s main market<\/strong>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-02-06\/saudi-ipo-spree-deepens-diversification-in-stock-market\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Bloomberg<\/a> reports, citing sources it says are familiar with the matter. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>ICYMI- <\/strong>Tadawul saw 15 new IPOs last year \u2014 the highest number since 2022 \u2014 as both state-owned assets and private firms hit the market. The Kingdom was also home to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/847683d2-8cb2-4bb2-82ee-4c9b1d0ebaab\/saudi%25e2%2580%2599s-2024-ipos-outperform-uae,-egypt\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">best-performing IPOs in the GCC<\/a> in terms of post-listing stock price appreciation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">DATA POINTS-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Foreign remitt<\/strong><strong>anc<\/strong><strong>es from the Kingdom were up 14% y-o-y at SAR 144 bn in 2024<\/strong>, their highest since 2022, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/english.aawsat.com\/business\/5109640-foreign-remittances-saudi-arabia-reach-highest-level-2022\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Asharq<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/english.aawsat.com\/business\/5109640-foreign-remittances-saudi-arabia-reach-highest-level-2022\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Al Awsat<\/a> reports, citing central bank data. The growth comes on the back of increased demand for foreign workers and wage increases. Non-Saudis employed in the private sector increased 3.5% y-o-y during the period to 8.9 mn as new diversification projects reeled in workers, economic analyst Rawan bin Rubayan told the outlet.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Also contributing to the trend:<\/strong> Economic growth in workers\u2019 countries of origin, steady exchange rates, and improved financial services and transfer mechanisms also added momentum to the pick up in remittance payments, Senior Asset Management Executive at Arbah Capital Mohammed Al Farraj added.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">SPORTS-<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong><a id=\"wwtt4\"><\/a> #1-<\/strong> <strong>Canelo A<\/strong><strong>lvarez sealed a four-fight <\/strong><strong>arrangement with Riyadh Season<\/strong>, the General Entertainment Authority\u2019s Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Turki_alalshikh\/status\/1887717576404337003\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">post on X<\/a>. The first fight in the new lineup is set to take place in Riyadh in May, while the second event is likely to see a showdown with welterweight champion Terrence Crawford in Las Vegas, the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/canelo-alvarez-jake-paul-ede493a1434bd3cc0fc96f5551326cc5\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Associated Press<\/a> reports. No additional financial information was available on the agreement.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The step comes as a snub to rival boxer Jake Paul<\/strong>, who was close to a settlement with Alvarez for a fight in May, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sports\/canelo-alvarez-signs-saudi-deal-nixing-jake-paul-fight-2025-02-07\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Reuters<\/a> reports. Alvarez and Paul were set to face off on 3 May in Las Vegas, sources told <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/boxing\/story\/_\/id\/43729363\/canelo-nixes-jake-paul-fight-crawford-bout-back-on\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">ESPN<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>#2- Al Ahli axes Roberto Firmino to make space for Galeno:<\/strong> The Jeddah-based club removed ex-Liverpooler Roberto Firmino from its roster for the current SPL season in order to make room for compatriot Galeno, who joined the club late last month <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/news\/story\/9fa9f873-a2b9-4649-a642-a7e5def83c74\/liv-golf-riyadh%25e2%2580%2599s-season-opener-today-%2B-spl-eyes-larger-presence-in-brazil\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">following a GBP 42 mn signing<\/a>, the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/sport\/football\/article-14375455\/Roberto-Firmino-ineligible-play-Saudi-Pro-League-season-dropped-Al-Ahli-squad-make-space-42m-January-signing.html\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Daily Mail<\/a> reports. SPL clubs are allowed a maximum of 10 foreign players on their squad.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>#3-<\/strong><strong>Jeddah\u2019s Ki<\/strong><strong>ng Ab<\/strong><strong>dullah Sports City\u2019s stadium is now Alinma Stadium<\/strong>, after Alinma Bank secured naming rights until 2029, the Sports Ministry announced in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/mosgovsa\/status\/1887451676618940648\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">a post on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-12 subscribe-box-panel\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div class=\"title\">\n<h4 class=\"fw-lighter mb-10\">   Get <b style=\"font-weight: 700\">Enterprise<\/b> daily   <\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"mb-10\">The roundup of news and trends that move your markets and shape corporate agendas delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"ksa\/en\/user\/NewsLetters\" class=\"btn-green px-3 d-flex align-items-center\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe here<\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>***<\/strong><strong>You\u2019re reading EnterpriseAM Saudi<\/strong>, your essential daily roundup of business, economics, and must-read news about Saudi, delivered straight to your inbox. We\u2019re out Sunday through Thursday by 7am Riyadh time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>EnterpriseAM Saudi is available without charge <\/strong>thanks to the generous support of our friends at Tas\u2019heel.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Want to send us a story idea<\/strong>, request coverage, ask for a correction, or otherwise get in touch? Reach out to us on <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:climate@enterprisemea.com\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">saudi@enterpriseAM.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>DID YOU KNOW <\/strong>that we also cover <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Egypt<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">the UAE<\/a>, the MENA <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/logistics\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">logistics<\/a> and  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/climate\/en\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">climate<\/a>  industries?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Were you forwarded this email? <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/user\/news-letters\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Tap or click here<\/a> to get your own copy of EnterpriseAM Saudi delivered every weekday.<br \/><strong>***<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">THE BIG STORY ABROAD- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>It\u2019s a relatively calm morning in the international press<\/strong>, with headlines focusing on Trump\u2019s unexpected moves, the latest on Gaza\u2019s ceasefire, and Lebanon\u2019s new government.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Trump\u2019s latest targets: <\/strong>The US president\u2019s latest executive order cuts all financial aid to South Africa, citing domestic land policy allegedly targeting white South Africans, as well as Cape Town\u2019s genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This comes after an earlier order Trump signed on Thursday imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court for targeting the US and its allies. (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/donald-trump\/trump-executive-order-sanctioning-international-criminal-court-rcna191018\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">NBC News<\/a> | <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/us\/trump-signs-executive-order-aimed-south-africa-white-house-official-says-2025-02-07\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Reuters<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>IN GAZA- <\/strong>Hamas released three Israelis on Saturday, while Israel released 183 Palestinians, the fifth exchange in the first phase of an increasingly fraught ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces are due to withdraw from the key Netzarim corridor today, allowing freedom of movement between the strip\u2019s north and south. (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/hamas-set-release-three-israeli-hostages-gaza-ceasefire-holds-2025-02-08\/\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Reuters<\/a> | <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/02\/08\/world\/middleeast\/israel-hamas-hostages-prisoners.html\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">New York Times<\/a> | <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/live\/2025\/feb\/08\/gaza-ceasefire-live-hamas-hostages-release-israel-exchange-palestinian-prisoners\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">The Guardian<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>MEANWHILE- A new government in Beirut with a tough mandate: <\/strong>Lebanon appointed Amer Bisat, BlackRock\u2019s head of emerging-markets fixed income, as its economy minister. Bisat \u2014 along with new finance minister and lawmaker Yassine Jaber \u2014 will be tasked with laying down a recovery plan for Lebanon\u2019s deeply-troubled economy, hoping to unlock much needed funding from the IMF. (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-02-08\/lebanon-names-blackrock-money-manager-bisat-as-economy-minister\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Bloomberg<\/a> | <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/International\/wireStory\/war-torn-lebanon-forms-government-2-years-118600991\" style=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">ABC News<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PLUS: Fitness chain BodyMasters and car-rental firm Yelo reportedly mull IPO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94191,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_primary_brand":0,"newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2540],"tags":[72,10,178,1151,9],"brand":[],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"class_list":["post-94190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-what-were-tracking-today","tag-alinma-bank","tag-enterpriseam-ksa","tag-palestine","tag-public-investment-fund-pif","tag-what-were-tracking-today","wpautop","entry"],"acf":{"mongo_id":"b54d4a4d-707d-4669-ba26-33d5e51877b8","order":"2","is_powered_by":false,"story_type":"4","photo_url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/2024\/6\/1471.jpg","photo_position":"above","homepage_title":"","full_issue_title":"THIS MORNING: Hajj registration open for Saudi citizens, residents + Al Baik inches closer to Pakistan","related_issue":[94188],"teaser":"PLUS: Fitness chain BodyMasters and car-rental firm Yelo reportedly mull IPO","voice_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/ent.news\/audio\/2025\/2\/.c3d0e3a2-3a6b-483c-ac67-a2f4ed22c46b.mp3"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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