Tel Aviv has reaffirmed its global leadership in innovation by being ranked the #4 Global Startup Ecosystem in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome, unveiled at VivaTech in Paris. The recognition marks Tel Aviv’s enduring strength in the startup world, even amid a year of significant challenges.

Drawing insights from over 5 million companies across 350+ cities, the report showcases Tel Aviv’s exceptional performance in funding, knowledge, and talent, along with $198 billion in ecosystem value generated between July 2022 and December 2024.

Mayor Ron Huldai emphasized the resilience and agility of Tel Aviv’s entrepreneurs. “In the face of complex challenges, Tel Aviv remains an open, welcoming, and resilient city, defined by creativity, liberalism, and entrepreneurship. We will continue to invest whatever it takes to enable startups to grow, evolve, and succeed,” he said.

Tel Aviv’s rise is powered by AI, cybersecurity, and life sciences, which continue to attract multinational R&D investments, large-scale acquisitions, and global partnerships. In 2024–2025, AI and cybersecurity startups secured multi-million-dollar rounds, life sciences grew by 25% to $2.7 billion, and tech giants like Nvidia, Meta, and Alphabet expanded operations in the region.

The city’s appeal is rooted in 180+ multinational R&D centers, government incentives, and a strong public-private innovation network. A new $800 million innovation lab and fresh policies supporting foreign investment are set to further bolster its startup ecosystem in 2025.

“Israel has the highest quality entrepreneurs in the world, full stop,” remarked Jeff Horing, Co-Founder & MD of Insight Partners. “The probability of finding the right mix of integrity, hard work, smarts, and hustle is better here than just about anywhere else.”

According to JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO of Startup Genome, “Tel Aviv’s consistent top ranking shows the extraordinary strength of its startup ecosystem and the commitment of its leaders. It competes against cities three to ten times its size and still holds its ground.”

Startup Genome’s annual report provides rankings of the Top 40 global ecosystems, Top 100 emerging ecosystems, and regional rankings, offering data-backed insights for policymakers and founders to drive job creation and innovation-led growth.

Royal Caribbean International has officially welcomed its next-generation vacation experience, Star of the Seas, into its fleet. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the revolutionary Icon Class cruise ship has been delivered and is set to debut this August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

The handover was celebrated in grand fashion with a ceremony attended by over 1,250 crew members and partners, including Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, and Chairman Jaakko Eskola.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This ship is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation and imagination come together.”

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second Icon Class ship, following Icon of the Seas, and brings with it numerous innovations for family vacations. Key highlights include:

• Thrill Island, featuring Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides, and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk-meets-thrill-ride 154 feet above the ocean.
  

• Chill Island, with four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and lively swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic.
  

• Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families with splash zones and kid-friendly dining.
  

• AquaDome, a panoramic day-to-night space with high-dive shows at the AquaTheater, a market-style food hall, and the scenic Overlook Bar.
  

• The Hideaway, an adults-only escape with a suspended infinity pool and DJ-fueled vibes.
  

• Fleet favorites, including the open-air Central Park, the dynamic Royal Promenade featuring the Pearl kinetic sculpture, and new dining spots like the Lincoln Park Supper Club.
  

With eight neighborhoods and over 40 dining and entertainment venues, Star is built to cater to multigenerational travelers seeking fun, relaxation, and adventure.

The ship also highlights Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability. Star of the Seas is the brand’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and features eco-friendly systems like waste heat recovery and shore power connection, contributing to Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Star will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and is now available for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website.

The brand also has more in store with upcoming destinations like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Dec 2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico (2027), ensuring Royal Caribbean continues to redefine vacation possibilities.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with the order of 20 additional Airbus A330neo aircraft. This new agreement brings MAG’s total commitment to 40 A330neo jets, reinforcing its strategy for long-term growth, fleet modernisation, and premium service delivery.

The fresh order, signed directly with Airbus, follows MAG’s 2022 commitment for 20 A330neos, split between direct purchases and leases through Avolon. Deliveries for the new batch are scheduled from 2029 to 2031, aligning with MAG’s goal of becoming a future-ready aviation group.

The A330neo has been central to MAG’s ongoing transformation. Known for fuel efficiency, extended range, and passenger comfort, the aircraft features next-generation Business Class suites, lie-flat beds, and upgraded inflight entertainment across all cabins—positioning Malaysia Airlines to better serve evolving traveller expectations.

The expanded fleet will allow the airline to boost operations across key long-haul markets, including ASEAN, India, China, and Australasia, aligning with the Group’s premium full-service carrier model.

“The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy,” said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG. “This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales at Airbus, added, “This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s performance, efficiency, and passenger appeal.”

MAG has already taken delivery of four A330neo aircraft, with six more scheduled for arrival by the end of this year. The remaining deliveries from the original order are expected through 2028, ensuring a steady fleet upgrade over the coming years.

With this move, Malaysia Airlines is poised to solidify its position as one of Asia-Pacific’s top widebody operators, offering consistent service excellence, regional connectivity, and a more sustainable flight experience.