TOPIC

/ location

Gibraltar

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Gibraltar. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Gibraltar

Head of State

King Charles III

Head of Government

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo

Scott McTominay scored twice as Scotland beat Spain 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying. Photo: Reuters

Uefa

Scotland aim for Euro 2024 knockout spot after reaching back-to-back tournaments

Steve Clarke’s side bowed out at group stage on return to the Euros in 2021, and have done so in all 11 of their major tournament appearances.

6 Jun 2024 - 3:57AM

Cryptocurrency

11 crypto exchanges in Hong Kong ‘deemed to be licensed’, paving way for approvals

3 Jun 2024 - 11:39PMvideocam

Millionaires and billionaires

9 of the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, ranked

24 May 2024 - 6:00PM

Animals

Killer whales sink sailing yacht in Strait of Gibraltar in new attack

An unknown number of orcas have sunk a sailing yacht after ramming it in Moroccan waters, a new attack in what has become a trend in the past four years.

14 May 2024 - 3:30PMvideocam

An Orca whale in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. File photo: Shutterstock

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg’s new US$300 million superyacht, Launchpad

The world’s largest-volume Dutch-built superyacht, with facilities which include a swimming pool and helipad, Launchpad was commissioned by billionaire Vladimir Potanin, who is subject to US sanctions

16 Apr 2024 - 5:00AM

Sri Lanka

As Houthis target ‘Israel-linked’ ships, Sri Lankans in Yemen fear reprisal

Sri Lankans are concerned their lives ‘may be threatened’ and help will not be readily available in an emergency as the country does not have a mission in Yemen.

18 Jan 2024 - 11:38AMvideocam

War and conflict

Red Sea risks could push oil prices up as Asia feels pinch of cargo delays

The tensions have ratcheted up war premiums on shipping freight, with many taking longer journeys after being diverted from the troubled Red Sea route.

16 Jan 2024 - 6:33PMvideocam

A cargo ship travels on the Suez Canal in Ismailia Province, Egypt, January 13, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Israel-Gaza war

Israel-Gaza war: Houthi attacks push shipping giants to pause Red Sea voyages

The move by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd come as militants off the coast of Yemen step up strikes against merchant vessels.

16 Dec 2023 - 3:21AMvideocam

Israel-Gaza war

Israel presses Gaza offensive in war it says will last ‘months’

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had talks with Israel about shifting its strategy in Gaza toward surgical operations against Hamas from a broad ground campaign.

15 Dec 2023 - 1:24PM

China-Africa relations

‘Complete EV package’: China sets sights on new electric vehicle hub

Chinese companies are flocking to Morocco as it positions itself at the heart of the electric vehicle revolution.

11 Nov 2023 - 5:43PMvideocam

A Science and Technology City coming up just outside Tangier, Morocco, is expected to host companies from around the world, with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers clamouring for a spot. Photo: Corbis

Food and Drinks

Is it ethical still to eat bluefin tuna? Yes, if it’s European, dealer says

Pacific bluefin tuna are nearly extinct, but astute fisheries management has raised Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers so it’s OK to eat it, and by doing so you’re helping biodiversity, a Hong Kong importer says.

14 Oct 2023 - 1:15PM

Bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea. Sustainable fishing, and open-water farming, of the fish have increased its population and made Atlantic bluefin tuna an ethical food choice, a Spanish food importer in Hong Kong says. Photo: Getty Images

Swimming

Hong Kong art dealer conquers swimming’s triple crown, world’s oceans are next

Edie Hu swam the English and Catalina channels, and around Manhattan Island to complete one of the hardest challenges in her sport, but it was Hong Kong where she fell in love with the open water.

10 Oct 2023 - 2:17PM

Millionaires and billionaires

Yacht lives of the rich and famous, from Jeff Bezos to Diane von Furstenberg

For the world’s richest individuals, cruising the Mediterranean on your superyacht is a must – so which billionaire seemed to have the most fun this summer?

22 Sep 2023 - 10:00PM

Insurance

Exclusive | How FWD married two of Richard Li’s ‘loves’ to create only home-grown, pan-Asian insurer

A serendipitous meeting more than 10 years ago between a telecoms titan and a former Vietnamese refugee sowed the seeds for an insurance company that today covers against risks in seven countries along the ancient Silk Road.

14 Aug 2023 - 9:30AM

FWD has achieved a streamlined claims process, and ‘in Hong Kong, you can even receive payments at a 7-Eleven’, says Huynh. Photo: Edmond So

Middle East

US may put armed troops on commercial ships to stop Iran seizures

The unprecedented move would represent an extraordinary commitment in the Middle East by US forces as the Pentagon tries to focus on Russia and China.

4 Aug 2023 - 2:34AM

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan travels through Atlantic Ocean in July, on its mission to the Middle East. Photo: US Navy via AP

Old Hong Kong

Then & Now | Senior Hong Kong official, historian of its New Territories: he wore 2 hats

Administrator and historian James Hayes’ love for Hong Kong’s hinterland is evident in the vast body of work he leaves behind.

17 Jul 2023 - 7:45AM

Animals

Orcas damage boats in Spanish, Portuguese waters in puzzling new behaviour

A pod of killer whales repeatedly rammed a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar, in the 24th such incident recorded this year.

27 May 2023 - 7:52AM

IPO

Richard Li-controlled insurer FWD refiles Hong Kong IPO application

FWD Group Holdings on Monday afternoon refiled its application to list on the city’s stock exchange, having postponed its planned listing in May last year due to ongoing market volatility.

13 Mar 2023 - 10:16PMvideocam

An FWD hoarding in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay. The underlying value of the insurer’s new business increased to US$806 million last year, according to its prospectus. Photo: Dickson lee

Insurance

FWD to buy majority stake in Malaysian life insurer ahead of Hong Kong IPO

FWD and a group of investors will buy a 70 per cent stake in Gibraltar BSN Life from a subsidiary of Prudential Financial. The expansion is part of the insurer’s long-term strategy to expand across Southeast Asia.

20 Feb 2023 - 3:47PM

Jeff Bezos

Inside Jeff Bezos’ shiny new US$500 million Koru megayacht and Abeona vessel

Jeff Bezos’ new nautical toys are nearly ready to come out and play – here’s a peek at the US$500 million Koru megayacht and its not-so-humble companion, the Abeona

13 Feb 2023 - 10:37AM

Tourism

The world’s most photo-worthy border crossings and a transfrontier zip line

From Niagara Falls to Patagonia to Poland’s winter sports capital, Zakopane, rivers and mountains form some of the world’s most scenic frontiers.

10 Feb 2023 - 7:15PM

The Ban Gioc waterfall sits on the border between Vietnam and China. It’s one of several frontier waterfalls in the world. Photo: Shutterstock

Britain

British PM Sunak fires Party chairman over tax affairs row

Nadhim Zahawi, who was appointed to the role by the PM last October, had been facing calls to stand aside after an ethics inquiry into a US$6-million revenue bill, including a penalty.

29 Jan 2023 - 8:52PMvideocam

Former Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi leaves the party’s head office in Westminster, central London after being fired. Photo: AP

Britain

Nadhim Zahawi’s position ‘untenable’ after tax dispute, says Labour

Zahawi has been under pressure since it was reported that he paid HM Revenue & Customs a seven-figure sum to end a dispute.

22 Jan 2023 - 3:32AMvideocam

France

French court frees Ukrainian mining boss on US$1 million bail

Billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago was arrested in France last week based on an international warrant issued by Ukraine. The court adjourned until January 19.

6 Jan 2023 - 2:39AMvideocam

Central Asia

Swiss court helps UK probe into late Uzbek ruler’s daughter

UK investigators are on the trail of US$48.8 million used to buy property in Britain, which they believe may have been laundered. Gulnara Karimova is in prison on embezzlement and criminal conspiracy charges.

29 Dec 2022 - 11:16AM

Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan’s late president Islam Karimov in Chirchik, outside the Uzbek capital near Tashkent in 2012. Photo: AFP

Fifa

Fifa World Cup 2022: Morocco fans scramble for tickets for Spain match

The last Arab and African side still in the tournament, Morocco has been willed on by some of most impassioned supporters at the event.

6 Dec 2022 - 11:16PMvideocam

A fan supporting Morocco poses prior to its knock-out match against Spain. Photo: AP

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Crippling a bridge didn’t help Ukraine; in ancient China it saved a warlord

Although largely symbolic in modern warfare, destroying a bridge saved one outmatched warlord in ancient China, and his army, from certain annihilation.

23 Oct 2022 - 9:15AM

Britain

UK opposition MP resigns over sexual misconduct case

An independent report said Chris Matheson made ‘unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances’ towards a young woman who was his junior member of staff.

21 Oct 2022 - 9:45PM

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Gibraltar

Scotland aim for Euro 2024 knockout spot after reaching back-to-back tournaments

Steve Clarke’s side bowed out at group stage on return to the Euros in 2021, and have done so in all 11 of their major tournament appearances.

11 crypto exchanges in Hong Kong ‘deemed to be licensed’, paving way for approvals

9 of the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, ranked

Killer whales sink sailing yacht in Strait of Gibraltar in new attack

An unknown number of orcas have sunk a sailing yacht after ramming it in Moroccan waters, a new attack in what has become a trend in the past four years.

Mark Zuckerberg’s new US$300 million superyacht, Launchpad

The world’s largest-volume Dutch-built superyacht, with facilities which include a swimming pool and helipad, Launchpad was commissioned by billionaire Vladimir Potanin, who is subject to US sanctions

As Houthis target ‘Israel-linked’ ships, Sri Lankans in Yemen fear reprisal

Sri Lankans are concerned their lives ‘may be threatened’ and help will not be readily available in an emergency as the country does not have a mission in Yemen.

Red Sea risks could push oil prices up as Asia feels pinch of cargo delays

The tensions have ratcheted up war premiums on shipping freight, with many taking longer journeys after being diverted from the troubled Red Sea route.

Israel-Gaza war: Houthi attacks push shipping giants to pause Red Sea voyages

The move by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd come as militants off the coast of Yemen step up strikes against merchant vessels.

Israel presses Gaza offensive in war it says will last ‘months’

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had talks with Israel about shifting its strategy in Gaza toward surgical operations against Hamas from a broad ground campaign.

‘Complete EV package’: China sets sights on new electric vehicle hub

Chinese companies are flocking to Morocco as it positions itself at the heart of the electric vehicle revolution.

Is it ethical still to eat bluefin tuna? Yes, if it’s European, dealer says

Pacific bluefin tuna are nearly extinct, but astute fisheries management has raised Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers so it’s OK to eat it, and by doing so you’re helping biodiversity, a Hong Kong importer says.

Hong Kong art dealer conquers swimming’s triple crown, world’s oceans are next

Edie Hu swam the English and Catalina channels, and around Manhattan Island to complete one of the hardest challenges in her sport, but it was Hong Kong where she fell in love with the open water.

Yacht lives of the rich and famous, from Jeff Bezos to Diane von Furstenberg

For the world’s richest individuals, cruising the Mediterranean on your superyacht is a must – so which billionaire seemed to have the most fun this summer?

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | How FWD married two of Richard Li’s ‘loves’ to create only home-grown, pan-Asian insurer

A serendipitous meeting more than 10 years ago between a telecoms titan and a former Vietnamese refugee sowed the seeds for an insurance company that today covers against risks in seven countries along the ancient Silk Road.

US may put armed troops on commercial ships to stop Iran seizures

The unprecedented move would represent an extraordinary commitment in the Middle East by US forces as the Pentagon tries to focus on Russia and China.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Then & Now | Senior Hong Kong official, historian of its New Territories: he wore 2 hats

Administrator and historian James Hayes’ love for Hong Kong’s hinterland is evident in the vast body of work he leaves behind.

Orcas damage boats in Spanish, Portuguese waters in puzzling new behaviour

A pod of killer whales repeatedly rammed a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar, in the 24th such incident recorded this year.

Richard Li-controlled insurer FWD refiles Hong Kong IPO application

FWD Group Holdings on Monday afternoon refiled its application to list on the city’s stock exchange, having postponed its planned listing in May last year due to ongoing market volatility.

FWD to buy majority stake in Malaysian life insurer ahead of Hong Kong IPO

FWD and a group of investors will buy a 70 per cent stake in Gibraltar BSN Life from a subsidiary of Prudential Financial. The expansion is part of the insurer’s long-term strategy to expand across Southeast Asia.

Inside Jeff Bezos’ shiny new US$500 million Koru megayacht and Abeona vessel

Jeff Bezos’ new nautical toys are nearly ready to come out and play – here’s a peek at the US$500 million Koru megayacht and its not-so-humble companion, the Abeona

The world’s most photo-worthy border crossings and a transfrontier zip line

From Niagara Falls to Patagonia to Poland’s winter sports capital, Zakopane, rivers and mountains form some of the world’s most scenic frontiers.

British PM Sunak fires Party chairman over tax affairs row

Nadhim Zahawi, who was appointed to the role by the PM last October, had been facing calls to stand aside after an ethics inquiry into a US$6-million revenue bill, including a penalty.

Nadhim Zahawi’s position ‘untenable’ after tax dispute, says Labour

Zahawi has been under pressure since it was reported that he paid HM Revenue & Customs a seven-figure sum to end a dispute.

French court frees Ukrainian mining boss on US$1 million bail

Billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago was arrested in France last week based on an international warrant issued by Ukraine. The court adjourned until January 19.

Swiss court helps UK probe into late Uzbek ruler’s daughter

UK investigators are on the trail of US$48.8 million used to buy property in Britain, which they believe may have been laundered. Gulnara Karimova is in prison on embezzlement and criminal conspiracy charges.

Fifa World Cup 2022: Morocco fans scramble for tickets for Spain match

The last Arab and African side still in the tournament, Morocco has been willed on by some of most impassioned supporters at the event.

Reflections | Crippling a bridge didn’t help Ukraine; in ancient China it saved a warlord

Although largely symbolic in modern warfare, destroying a bridge saved one outmatched warlord in ancient China, and his army, from certain annihilation.

UK opposition MP resigns over sexual misconduct case

An independent report said Chris Matheson made ‘unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances’ towards a young woman who was his junior member of staff.

Exclusive | How FWD married two of Richard Li’s ‘loves’ to create only home-grown, pan-Asian insurer

Then & Now | Senior Hong Kong official, historian of its New Territories: he wore 2 hats