Seoul recalls ambassador from Kyiv after North Korean soldiers case revealed

Egyptian media professional and journalist Ahmed Begato will head Sky News Arabia’s Egypt bureau, overseeing news coverage and leading the journalism team after more than 20 years in journalism and field reporting, including coverage of news, political issues and international conferences in several countries and conflict zones.

French-Lebanese journalist Maysaloun Nassar has announced that she began work as head of BBC Arabic at the start of October 2026, after a career outside the corporation. Nassar takes up the post as the service faces criticism and pressure over its coverage of the Gaza war, alongside internal restructuring and measures to strengthen oversight of editorial standards.

Abdullah Al Hamed, president of the National Media Authority, launched the ‘Smart Media Agents’ challenge as part of the eighth edition of the Arab Media Leaders Programme for Young People in Dubai, calling for the development of artificial intelligence solutions to improve the efficiency and credibility of media organisations. He stressed that trust built on accuracy, verification and transparency remains the media’s real capital.

Saudi Minister of Information Salman Al-Dosari announced the launch of the Lions Riyadh festival, scheduled to take place at the King Abdullah Financial District from 6 to 8 December 2027. The event will bring together marketing executives, creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent in a programme focused on marketing effectiveness and the future of the creative industries.

South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv had handed Seoul two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting alongside the Russian army. Seoul demanded a formal apology, while Kyiv expressed hope that the dispute could be overcome through constructive dialogue.

The United Democracy Project committee has begun an initial $94,000 spending campaign against Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, after previously spending nearly $30 million during the primary elections. El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s general election scheduled for November.

The German and French defence ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the MGCS project to develop a joint land combat system, despite speculation that its scope could be reduced from the original plan. The two countries consider the project central to their defence cooperation and plans to gradually retire their current main battle tanks.

UEFA plans to seek the views of its member associations on the 16-day international break, ahead of considering a proposal to FIFA, after clubs and coaches criticised it over injuries and the loss of season momentum, despite the system bringing four matches together in one window being fixed until 2030.