Abu-Dhabi-Housing-Authority-has-announced-new-housing-projects-in-West-Baniyas-and-Al-Samha-regions-photo-Abu-Dhabi Housing Authority-

Abu Dhabi launches housing projects worth over Dhs7bn

The new housing projects, which are located in West Baniyas and Al Samha, include 1,742 residential villas for citizens

Saudi Arabia and Canada restore full diplomatic ties

Saudi Arabia, Canada renew full diplomatic ties

Saudi Arabia had suspended diplomatic ties and halted new trade and investment dealings with Canada in 2018

ADNOC Drilling acquires 6 rigs

ADNOC Drilling signs $75m deal for six newbuild hybrid power land rigs

The rigs are being built by Honghua Golden Coast and will progressively enter the fleet from the second quarter of 2024

Jeddah Islamic Port is Saudi Arabia’s busiest port

Jeddah Islamic Port’s April container volume surges by 25%

The port’s cargo column saw an addition of 19.33 per cent to the 2022 volume to achieve about 5,261,883 tons

Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Mohammed approves 78 environmental initiatives ahead of COP28

It includes national strategies to reduce carbon and regulate the use of solar energy products, sustainable tourism and other initiatives

Khalifa Fund launches Franchise UAE image credit KFED

Franchise UAE: Khalifa Fund launches new portal to help businesses buy and sell franchises

Franchise UAE is designed to cater to both existing, homegrown businesses seeking to develop a franchise and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in an established business concept

FAB supply chain finance in KSA

UAE’s FAB launches supply chain finance in Saudi Arabia

The programme allows companies to monetise their receivables at competitive rates and get instant payments, without needing to borrow funds

AD Ports Group, Vale to jointly develop low-carbon mega hub for steel industry photo WAM AD Ports

AD Ports Group, Vale to develop low-carbon mega hub for steel industry

Land and related services from KEZAD will be allocated for the ‘Mega Hub’, in addition to the development and management of a high-tech handling facility at Khalifa Port

RTA to auction special number plates. Image credit: RTA

RTA to auction premium car number plates soon: Check dates

The RTA will auction 350 number plates comprised of two-digit plates for vintage cars, and three, four and five-digit plates for private vehicles

ADNOC Group Onshore Drilling Rig

ADNOC, TAQA invest $2.4bn to supply sustainable water to onshore operations

The project will develop a centralised seawater treatment facility for operations at the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch on Gulf states tour

Badenoch’s trip comes as the total trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high of GBP61.3bn in 2022

UAE Minister of State for foreign trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

UAE, Malaysia agree to launch CEPA negotiations

The UAE has so far concluded four CEPAs with India, Israel, Indonesia and Turkey and the first two have already come into force

Qatar sets up a $275m market-maker fund

Qatar allots $275m to a new market-making programme

The initiative will help enhance liquidity in the market, improve price discovery and diversify the capital markets

Etihad Rail and Uber sign MoU photo credit Uber

Etihad Rail, Uber sign MoU to jointly bolster integrated mobility services

The companies will look at integrating e-hailing services and explore the possibility of creating an Uber dedicated pickup and drop-off area for passengers within stations

Healthcare facilities

Abu Dhabi temporarily closes two healthcare facilities over several violations

The violations include failure to adhere to safety procedures, use of expired materials and tools, and non-compliance with the standards for medical waste disposal

Investment Authority Qatar

Builder.ai announces $250m Series D led by Qatar Investment Authority

The funding round included participation from existing and new investors including Iconiq Capital, Jungle Ventures & Insight Partners

Saudia

AI takes flight: Saudia, Accenture collaborate to develop over 260 new digital services

All the digital systems developed by Accenture will be designed specifically for the airline, increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, President-Designate of COP28, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, and Michael R. Bloomberg. Image credit: IRENA

Bloomberg Philanthropies, IRENA announce new COP28 partnership

The partnership will allow Bloomberg Philanthropies to support IRENA in its efforts to drive adoption of renewable energy in the lead up to COP28

ADFD investments in 2022 Photo GettyImages-1430804172

Abu Dhabi development fund sees financing, investments cross Dhs189.7bn in 2022

According to its annual report, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s investments benefitted 104 nations last year

insurance company

CBUAE removes board of directors of insurance company

It is replaced it with a temporary committee of experts for six months

MoF issues Ministerial decisions related to corporate tax Photo WAM

UAE corporate tax: MoF issues 3 new ministerial decisions

According to the ministry, the three new decisions aim to enhance the flexibility of UAE’s corporate tax regime and ensure a supportive business environment for all sectors

International Space Station receives Saudi astronauts after their maiden space flight. Image Credit: NASA TV

Rayyanah Barnawi, Ali Al Qarni’s first day at the International Space Station

The Axiom 2 mission brings together three Arab astronauts on board the ISS for the first time in history

The aircraft, 9H-FIVE, pronounced Nine-Hotel FIVE, will be based in Dubai (Image: Supplied by FIVE Hotels and Resorts)

Dubai’s FIVE Hotels introduces private jet charter service

The ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft, 9H-FIVE, will be based in Dubai and has an approximate flying range of 12 hours

SeaWorld Yas Island underwater Zoo

SeaWorld Yas Abu Dhabi opens with a star-studded event

The park is home to inspiring entertainment, exciting rides and attractions as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences

Seychelles (Image: Sourced from Qatar Airways Newsroom)

Qatar Airways signs codeshare with Air Seychelles

Qatar Airways will place its code on Air Seychelles’ operated flights between Mahé and Praslin

uae national day holiday

UAE foreign ministry announces name change

The authority will now be known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Rajasthan Royals

Saudi’s NEOM partners with India’s Rajasthan Royals for first ever cricket programme

The pilot programme aims to facilitate an active and healthy lifestyle within the growing workforce, forecast to reach 60,000 people by the end of the year

Dubai government debt burden

Dubai’s debt burden to drop to 51% in 2023, says S&P Global

The government’s debt stock could fall even faster if the reduction in nominal debt continues over the coming years

Azulik AlUla resort image courtesy RCU

Saudi Arabia’s RCU to open AZULIK AlUla, a new eco-luxury resort

The eco-luxury resort, which will feature 76 villas, is scheduled to be launched by 2027

ADNOC L&S IPO

ADNOC raises size of its logistics unit IPO on heavy demand

The maritime logistics firm expects the final offer price to be announced on May 26, after the book-building process