Britain's economy expanded last year less than first thought, official data revealed on Thursday, adding to concerns that Brexit uncertainty was impacting growth.

Saudi Arabia announced plans Thursday to spend billions on building new venues and flying in Western acts, in a total overhaul of its entertainment sector that would been unthinkable not long ago.

Long known for its ultra-conservative mores, the kingdom has embarked on a wide-ranging programme of social and economic reforms driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

Most Asian markets sank on Thursday, fuelling fears of fresh volatility after Federal Reserve minutes fanned expectations US interest rates would rise further.

Half of Air France's long-haul flights out of Paris Thursday will be canceled due to a strike by pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, the carrier said.

Philippine officials are headed to Kuwait on Thursday to seek greater protection for migrant workers after a diplomatic row over the alleged mistreatment of Filipinos in the Gulf state. 

Austrian oil and gas group OMV said Wednesday that it returned to profit last year, helped liked its rivals by a rise in crude prices.

Venezuela formally launched its new oil-backed cryptocurrency on Tuesday in an unconventional bid to haul itself out of a deepening economic crisis.

A three-year downturn in Dubai's property market will likely continue until at least 2020, Standard & Poor's said Tuesday, citing low oil prices, the introduction of VAT and a Gulf diplomatic crisis.

The World Trade Organization chief, in an interview with AFP, urged the United States to avert "paralysis" in the global trade dispute settlement system, as economic tensions between Washington and China ratchet up. 

The EU warned on Tuesday it would take "appropriate measures" to defend its interests if the U.S. imposes tough trade sanctions as President Donald Trump delivers on his protectionist policies.