Oman Covid-19 Travel Ban

Covid-19: Oman to indefinitely ban travellers from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

The ban will take effect from 6pm on Saturday, April 24

Gulf News Dubai

Dubai-based Gulf News launches paywall for content starting from Dhs1 per week

There are two digital subscription plans being rolled out – Standard Access and Prime Access

Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,931 cases, 2 deaths

The nationwide case count has risen to 502,791

Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa to launch operations in Kuwait

The company will launch its fully digital app-based proposition in Kuwait under the Virgin Mobile brand

HSBC facilitates first blockchain transaction for steel between UAE, India

The Contour blockchain platform enabled end-to-end digitisation of the documentation required to import flat carbon steel

Flydubai initiates seasonal flights to Batumi, Georgia

Flights will operate thrice a week from May 12 until September 1

Boeing’s Max gets fresh boost with order from leasing firm

The order for the Max 8 variant is worth about $1.8bn at list prices

KUWAIT-HEALTH-VIRUS

Kuwait curfew extended until end of Ramadan, cinemas prepare to open for Eid

The partial curfew will continue to be in place from 7pm until 5am

Leading oil producer UAE says case for renewables never stronger

The country plans to be at the forefront of the transition to greener energy and the fight against climate change

ABu Dhabi Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Abu Dhabi now offering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; updates list of centres for free jabs

Prior appointments are necessary to avail of the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs

Several Israelis could move to the UAE to work – senior official

A quarantine-free travel corridor between the two countries will be set up very soon, says Fleur Hassan Nahoum, deputy mayor of Jerusalem

UAE Covid-19 Vaccine restrictions

UAE considering movement restrictions for unvaccinated residents

Individuals with medical conditions have been urged to consult a doctor to determine whether they are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine

Saudi-based Community Jameel to fund infectious disease research at Imperial College London

Jameel Fund for Infectious Disease Research and Innovation to provide grants of up to $65,000

UAE Central Bank projects real GDP to grow by 7.6 % in 2022

UAE Central Bank extends economic-support programme until mid-2022

Banks can draw on the facility to provide new loans and financing

Etihad Airways

Etihad begins IATA Travel Pass trials on flights from Abu Dhabi to North America

The pass allows users to create a ‘digital passport’ to receive Covid-19 test results and verify they are eligible to undertake their journey

UAE’s Emirates Islamic Bank posts 37% rise in Q1 net profit

The bank’s operating profit dipped 12 per cent y-o-y to Dhs319m

UAE’s G42 sets up data JV with Israel’s Rafael

Group 42 signed an agreement with Rafael to form Presight.AI and plans to establish a research and development center in Israel

Saudi Red Sea tourism plan set to clinch $3.7bn green loan

It will have a tenor of 15 years and an interest rate of about 1 per cent above the Saudi interbank offered rate

Children aged 3 and above must wear face masks – UAE authorities

The official also urged parents to avoid taking their children to crowded areas, “especially playgrounds”

Abu DHabi

Abu Dhabi issues two PPP tenders to private sector

The projects include the construction of three schools and a street lighting upgrade programme

Dubai food trade

Dubai’s external food trade totalled Dhs52bn in 2020

In terms of volume, the overall trade weighed 17 million tonnes

India to Dubai Covid-19 Testing rules

Pre-departure Covid-19 testing rules changed for passengers travelling to Dubai from India

Effective April 22, the validity of the Covid-19 PCR test for passengers travelling from India to Dubai has been reduced to 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample

Third of UAE employees want to continue working remotely on a full-time basis: study

Diversity and inclusion seen as crucial in attracting employees

Saudi’s Dar Al Arkan collaborates with Versace Home on Shams Ar Riyadh project

The Shams Ar Riyadh project is located in an area north of Riyadh, on the King Khalid Road

Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,803 cases, 2 deaths

The nationwide case count has now risen to 498,957

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s inaugural flight touches down in Israel

The route between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi will operate thrice a week in April 2021

Emaar’s Reel Cinemas expands into Saudi Arabia

The kingdom’s first Reel Cinemas venue will feature 14 screens

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in Kuwait

The highest ranked Arabs originating from Kuwait in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list

Covid-19 vaccine 93% effective at preventing hospitalisation – Abu Dhabi study

In case of contracting the infection after vaccination, patients have mild symptoms and do not require admission to a hospital or an ICU