GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,161 cases; 319 infections confirmed in Oman

The death toll in the UAE has risen to 505

Dubai’s flydubai to operate 14 weekly flights to Tel Aviv

Flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv will commence from November 26, 2020

Big Red. Al Badayer desert

Revealed: Top 10 natural hotspots across the UAE

Outside the urban landscape of the city, are natural outposts that pay homage to the country’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

Saudi Arabia reforms labour law; grants foreign workers greater rights

New reforms will come into effect in March 2021

Exclusive: UAE-Israel Business Council co-founders on what comes next after the peace deal

The peace deal will alter the bilateral economic landscape and much more, opine co-founders Fleur Hassan Nahoum and Dorian Barak

UAE workers want hybrid working arrangements to continue post-Covid

Cisco study says 80% of UAE’s office workers want freedom to choose home or office

Key elements to restoring passenger trust in air travel

The upturn in activity and the return to economic growth will only be possible if airports find the perfect balance

Study says 83% of Emiratis want access to video conferencing apps to continue post-Covid

Study by Zoom says 69% of Emiratis expect to work from home in the future

Sharjah

Sharjah announces new Dhs512m economic stimulus package

The package was approved by the Crown Prince of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, on Tuesday

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways cuts jobs as virus slams travel demand

The low-cost airline has also renegotiated leases with all lessors

Abu Dhabi schools

Covid-19: Abu Dhabi private schools to resume campus learning for all students

Students across all grades can return to their campus at the start of their second semester in January 2021

The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai

What to expect from the upcoming OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic 2020

The three-day event will be held from November 4-6 at the Faldo Course within the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai

Saudi Binladin considers joint ventures and asset sales amid revamp

The company has put thousands of employees on indefinite leave in recent months

Sheikh Mohammed Covid-19 vaccine

Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed receives Covid-19 vaccine

The ruler took to Twitter on Tuesday to share an image of him receiving the Covid-19 vaccine

Saudi Aramco maintains dividend despite 45% slump in profit

Income still increased for the first time in five quarters as oil prices steadied

Banking Tech

Here’s how regional banks can create a loyal customer base

Lenders should leverage the use of technology to understand customers’ needs and create a personalised journey for them, says IT firm Comarch

Saudi non-oil private sector business activity improves to highest in 8 months

However, employment numbers dropped at the fastest rate since June

Dubai’s Alcazar Energy weighs sale, green bond as part of review

The company had begun reviewing its options at the start of the year

Oman airport

Over 75% of visitors to Oman show Covid-19 symptoms within 7 days

All travellers to Oman will be required to undergo a Covid-19 test seven days after their arrival into the country

Sharjah Book Authority

Sharjah Book Authority launches new literary agency to stimulate Arabic publishing market

The Sharjah International Literary Agency will promote Arabic literary and cultural content globally

Khalifa university

Research team at UAE’s Khalifa University manufacture reusable 3D-printed facemasks

A prototype has been printed and assessments will be performed on it before it receives the necessary approvals

Oman

Oman plans to levy income tax on wealthy individuals starting 2022

The International Monetary Fund sees Oman’s economy shrinking 10 per cent this year

Nasdaq Dubai

Private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank, ICD, lists $600m sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

The five-year sukuk was oversubscribed nearly three times

Mubadala acquires stake in Abu Dhabi-based AI specialist G42

Mubadala will integrate two of its entities, Injazat and Khazna, into G42

UAE businesses don’t know what one-third of their data is: Veritas study

UAE businesses could face fines as DIFC data protection law takes effect

Covid-19

Covid-19: UAE reports 1,234 cases, 1,516 recoveries

The total number of cases detected thus far in the UAE stands at 135,141

Tesla Electric Vehicle

The rise of electric mobility in the Middle East – time to make the switch?

The International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2020 report found that sales of electric vehicles topped 2.1 million globally in 2019

Key mandates financial services firms must deliver on

These three requirements are a must for the ‘new tomorrow’ in financial services

ADIA, PIF invest $1bn in Reliance’s fiber-optic assets

Both ADIA and PIF are repeat investors in Ambani’s conglomerate after plowing billions in his digital and retail units earlier this year

Saudi tourism megaproject near to closing $3.7bn loan

The Red Sea Development Co. project, owned by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, is the biggest leisure development, spanning over 10,000 square miles