What is the current state of the UAE’s startup ecosystem?

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, here’s why this is a good time to start a business in the UAE, opines Mana Al Suwaidi, executive chairman, Startegi Advisors

How GCC countries can ensure their food security

Over the longer term, governments need to build up local food supplies, reinforce supply chains, and increase the flow of imports

INDIA-AVIATION-ACCIDENT-PLANE

Air India Express flight from Dubai breaks apart after skidding off runway at Kerala airport

There were 190 people onboard the Boeing 737 aircraft

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad registers 58% dip in passenger numbers for H1 2020

The carrier’s core operating loss increased by $172m to $758m in the first half of the year

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE registers 239 cases; 1,402 infections recorded in Saudi

The death toll in the UAE has risen to 354

sabic

Saudi chemical maker SABIC expects recovery following loss

SABIC generated second-quarter sales of SAR24.62bn, down 29 per cent from the previous year

The way forward for startups in the MENA region

The regional ecosystem must facilitate aspirants and startups to encourage entrepreneurship

Dubai’s Emirates to resume flights to Toronto from August 16

Customers can fly the Emirates A380 from Dubai to Toronto five times a week

Emirates Skywards introduces over 1,500 additional ways to earn Miles

For every GBP1 spent, members can earn up to 15 Miles; and for every $1 spent, members can earn up to 12 Miles

Why UAE-based businesses should continue flexible working patterns post Covid-19

In light of the ‘new normal’, businesses much find a way to nurture that need for greater flexibility

UAE’s RAKBANK reports 44.7% dip in net profit for H1 2020

The bank’s total income for H1 2020 declined by 4.5 per cent compared to H1 2019

Private schools in Dubai can opt for a suitable teaching approach

Schools are encouraged to implement innovative solutions to ensure high safety standards in the current environment

Ajman fire

Massive fire breaks out at Ajman market

Investigations are currently underway into the cause of the fire

UAE plots new stimulus measures to bolster economy

The UAE’s central bank had provided more than $70bn of stimulus by March to aid businesses

Dubai’s DAE reports 38% drop in net income for H1 2020

It reported an income of $121.7m in H1 2020, down from $197.1m in the corresponding period last year

Automechanika Dubai cancels 2020 event amid Covid-19

The automotive products exhibition will be held from June 7-9 2021 at DWTC

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 254 cases, two deaths

The death toll in the UAE stands at 353

Students in Dubai can opt for distance learning for first term – KHDA

Last month, KHDA issued a list of 100-plus protocols for the re-opening of private schools across the emirate in September this year

AI everything

Dubai issues guidelines to restart exhibitions, live events and concerts

Measures to be followed include social distancing and limited capacity

What are important board governance lessons to glean during the Covid-19 pandemic?

In the current crisis, companies of all sizes are asking board members to roll up their sleeves and help management meet immediate needs

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi ports’ non-oil foreign trade valued Dhs66.5bn for first four months of 2020

Re-exports fell 24.6 per cent year-on-year to Dhs13bn and non-oil exports by 8.5 per cent to Dhs18.3bn

Jobless recovery from virus takes shape for top 3 Arab economies

Employment continued to fall in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt despite a stronger pickup in non-oil private sector activity in July

DAFZA

Exports from Dubai’s DAFZA up 54% in Q1 2020

China accounted for the highest percentage of DAFZA’s trade, with 21 per cent valued at Dhs7.7bn

Kuwait’s $112bn pension fund has cash to burn after revamp

Cash accounts for about 11.5 per cent of its investments, which the fund aims to cut to 4 per cent over the next seven months

King Fahd Causeway zwischen Bahrain und Saudi Arabien

Saudi reopens land borders with the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain

Trucks coming from the GCC will be allowed entry into the kingdom

Careem

Network International underpins Careem’s digital payments initiative

The five-year agreement will see Network International process prepaid cards on behalf of Careem in five countries

Mimecast acquires anti-phishing technology provider MessageControl

MessageControl uses machine learning to protect emails

Maya Zakhour takes on new role as NetApp channel director for MEA, Italy and Spain

NetApp keen to expand footprint in booming cloud market

Social media

Social space: A roundup of all the GCC social media news in July

Fadi Khater, founder and managing partner of digital marketing agency Netizency, provides an overview of social media trends in the region

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE records 189 cases; 1,342 infections registered in Saudi

No new deaths were recorded for the fourth consecutive day in the UAE