Author: gulf-daily.com

Meta is moving forward with plans to use public Facebook and Instagram posts from users across the European Union, including Germany, to train its artificial intelligence systems, following the expiration of a user opt-out deadline on Tuesday. The US-based technology company intends to process publicly shared content from adult users to enhance the performance of its AI assistant, Meta AI. This data collection will apply to all users who did not explicitly reject the terms before the cutoff date. Meta emphasized that the approach is designed to improve the accuracy and relevance of its AI tools, while maintaining compliance with EU privacy regulations. The legal framework for this initiative was recently…

ADNOC Drilling Company has secured a $1.15 billion contract from ADNOC Offshore for the deployment of two state-of-the-art jack-up rigs, marking a significant addition to its offshore operations portfolio. The 15-year agreement extends operational coverage through 2040, supporting ADNOC’s long-term production goals while ensuring steady revenue streams and investment returns. The two rigs, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalisation technologies, are designed to enhance operational efficiency and performance. According to ADNOC Drilling’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Seiari, the contract underscores confidence in the company’s technical capabilities and its strategic role in ADNOC’s broader production roadmap. He noted that the…

A man has been detained after a vehicle struck several pedestrians in Liverpool city centre on Monday evening, shortly after the conclusion of Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM local time on Water Street, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and law enforcement. According to a statement issued by Merseyside Police, officers were contacted following reports that a car had collided with multiple individuals in a busy part of the city. The vehicle came to a halt at the scene, and the driver, a male, was subsequently detained by authorities. Police confirmed…

The European Union and the United States have agreed to expedite trade negotiations, following a high-level phone call between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement marks a renewed diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and avoid the imposition of sweeping new tariffs on transatlantic trade. According to a statement released by the European Commission on Monday, both leaders have committed to maintaining close contact throughout the negotiation process. The discussion, which took place late Sunday evening, resulted in a temporary suspension of a threatened 50 percent tariff increase on EU exports to the United States. President Trump reportedly agreed to pause the tariff action until 9 July…

Traveling from Vancouver to Nanaimo offers multiple ferry options. This firsthand comparison reveals which route delivers true comfort, calm, and coastal character. Traveling between Vancouver and Nanaimo recently gave me the opportunity to compare two very different ferry services: the high-speed Hullo catamaran and the full-service BC Ferries route. Both offer convenience and efficiency, but only one delivered the kind of experience that defines memorable travel. Hullo’s greatest appeal is its location. Departing directly from Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, it provides a fast and easy connection to Nanaimo in just over 75 minutes. I selected business class and appreciated the quiet cabin, early boarding, and…

Sunday night. Downtown Vancouver. My son had booked a table for two at Notch8, the signature restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. We called ahead. Jasprit, the hostess, confirmed availability. At 9:40 PM sharp, we took the elevator down less than two minutes from room to restaurant. We were expecting a full dinner in one of the city’s supposed top-tier dining spots. What we got was a polite message. The dinner menu was already closed. Just like that. A five-star hotel… closing the kitchen? Yes, at 9:45 PM, the kitchen in this grand hotel, the Fairmont, no less had stopped taking orders…

European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has called for trade relations between the European Union and the  United States to be governed by mutual respect rather than threats. His remarks followed a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump in which he proposed a 50 percent tariff on EU imports, to take effect from 1 June. The proposed tariff marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the two transatlantic partners. In a social media post published on Friday, Sefcovic emphasized the European Commission’s continued commitment to constructive dialogue. He reiterated the EU’s willingness to negotiate a balanced trade agreement that benefits both sides, stating, “The EU…

India has commenced the rollout of biometric e-passports, a major upgrade to its travel documentation system aimed at enhancing security and streamlining international travel. These next-generation passports feature an embedded electronic chip containing the holder’s personal and biometric data, securely encoded to prevent unauthorized access and forgery. The new e-passport integrates advanced security protocols, including RFID technology and a digital signature system protected by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). This ensures that data stored in the chip cannot be altered or duplicated, aligning India with international best practices adopted by over 120 countries worldwide. Designed to meet global standards set by international aviation and…

Walk into a café or restaurant in Vancouver today and brace yourself. Not for a warm welcome, not for enthusiastic service, but for a bleak, transactional encounter. The atmosphere is often dreary, shaped by slow-moving staff, a lack of eye contact, and an unmistakable undertone of fatigue. Smiles are rare. Engagement is minimal. And yet, at the end of this joyless exchange, a glowing payment screen prompts you to tip 10, 15, 20, or even 25 percent. For what, exactly? Tipping in most parts of the world remains a token of appreciation for exceptional service. In Vancouver, it has devolved…

U.S. stock markets retreated sharply on Friday as investors reacted to renewed trade threats from US President Donald Trump, raising fresh concerns about international commerce and economic stability. The declines capped a volatile week on Wall Street, with all major indexes heading toward weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by over 300 points, representing a 0.77% drop. The S&P 500 lost approximately 0.91%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined by 1.05%. The downturn came amid escalating geopolitical heat and uncertainty surrounding Trump’s proposed economic measures. Trump announced that Apple would face a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. but manufactured abroad. This move targets the company’s extensive supply chain, which relies heavily on production…