Small and micro businesses make up more than 90 per cent of worldwide businesses, contributing 50 to 60 per cent of global employment
Author: Aarti Nagraj
Regulator of Dubai’s financial hub DIFC proposes relief measures for firms
Certain fees have been waived and extensions have been granted for some of the processes
All commercial activities in Dubai to remain suspended until end of disinfection drive
Sectors that are exempt sectors will operate as usual
Saudi private sector firms can cut salaries, working hours – report
The decision can only be carried out with consent from the employees
Saudi imposes 24-hour curfew in several cities including Riyadh, Dammam
Entry into and exit from the areas under curfew has been banned until further notice
Covid-19: UAE reports 277 new cases, 1 death; Saudi reports 4 additional deaths
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UAE now stands at 2,076 while Saudi Arabia has reported 2,523 infections
Update: Dubai residents, including pedestrians and cyclists, need permits to leave their homes
Employees of vital sectors do not need to apply for the movement permit, but instead will require a letter from their employer confirming their necessity to commute
Dubai’s Emaar chairman takes 100% salary cut, assures employees ‘this too shall pass’
A new salary structure will be implemented April 1 onwards, until further notice
ENOC to provide free fuel to vehicles involved in Dubai’s sterilisation programme
ENOC Link trucks will be located in designated locations which will be determined by Dubai Municipality’s daily plans for the disinfection campaign
Saudi arranging special flights to bring back its citizens stuck abroad
An electronic service has been launched to register those interested
UAE launches ‘early leave’ for private sector expats to return home during Covid-19 crisis
All establishments are to comply with this directive and employers must book a round ticket for employees availing of this facility
UAE announces 294 new Covid-19 cases, total now at 1,799
The new cases are nationals of different countries and are all in a stable condition
Covid-19: Saudi announces five additional deaths; total cases tally 2,385
A total of 34 patients have succumbed to the disease
No fines for residency visa violations in UAE until the end of the year
The decision was announced following a virtual cabinet meeting on Sunday
UAE launches online campaign for mental support amid coronavirus outbreak
More than 50 experts in the fields of psychology, mental and social support, and life skills are a part of this programme
French hotel group Accor launches fund to assist employees
Accor confirmed that it currently has more than $2.7bn in cash on hand and an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.3bn
How the Covid-19 situation is changing grocery shopping in the UAE
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing social restrictions, online grocery shopping has taken an unprecedented flight
Etisalat provides free mobile data to over 12,000 students in UAE to access e-learning
Etisalat also said that over 10 million mobile subscribers in the country could access its networks to enjoy free browsing to over 800 websites related to education, health and safety
Covid-19: UAE reports 241 new cases, Kuwait announces first death
The number of Covid-19 cases in the UAE tallies 1,505 while as many as 2,179 individuals have been afflicted by the contagion in Saudi Arabia
Saudi imposes 24-hour curfew across parts of Jeddah
Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for medical care and grocery shopping between 6am and 3pm
Dubai announces free public bus service, taxi discounts during extended sterilisation drive
During the sterilisation period, all metro and tram services will be suspended
Abu Dhabi extends closure of malls, cinemas, commercial establishments indefinitely
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development will be carrying out inspection visits to ensure compliance with its directives
Dubai extends sterilisation drive to 24 hours for two weeks
The extension, effective April 4 onwards for a period of two weeks, is subject to renewal
UAE extends daily disinfection programme, restricted movement to continue
Those leaving their homes for non-essential work during the sterilisation period will face fines
