Business
Gold prices edged higher on Thursday as a softer U.S. dollar supported bullion before fresh U.S. inflation data. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $4,414.28 an ounce by 0419 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery slipped 0.1% to $4,457.20. The early gain kept spot gold above $4,400 after a sharp reversal during Wednesday’s trading. Gold had initially moved lower before finishing that session more than 1% higher.
Technology
Travel
The airline will operate the route with an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Etihad said travelers across its network can reach the Red Sea with a single connection in Abu Dhabi. That includes passengers arriving from markets across the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. Tickets are already available through Etihad’s booking system for travel from the launch date. The route joins Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim in the carrier’s Saudi network.
Sports
Messi returns to the Ballon d’Or shortlist after missing the nominee lists in 2024 and 2025. The Argentina international owns a record eight men’s Ballon d’Or titles. He last won the award in 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from the shortlist for a fourth consecutive edition. Brazilian forward Raphinha also does not feature among the 2026 candidates. Dembélé enters this year’s contest as the defending men’s winner after claiming the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Messi said he reached the decision after extensive consideration following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain. He wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after the final in New Jersey. Messi later said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August reinforced his decision to publish the message. He described leaving the national team as painful while stressing the pride he felt representing Argentina. Messi also thanked teammates, coaches, family members and supporters who accompanied him throughout his international career.
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