Explainer: Have contactless payments taken off in the GCC?

The Covid-19 pandemic has made contactless payments more relevant than ever before. Khalid Elgibali, MENA division president at Mastercard, discusses whether adoption in the GCC grown significantly

How has Covid-19 impacted the startup ecosystem in the GCC?

The pandemic has adversely affected the regional startup ecosystem. But there is help

Covid-19 testing UAE 3

UAE reports 513 new Covid-19 cases, death toll at 287

Currently, 15,266 cases are active in the country

Dubai permits swimming pools to reopen, water sports to resume

A strict set of guidelines has been issued for operators and visitors

All residents returning to Dubai to be quarantined for 14 days

They will be tested for Covid-19 at the airport itself and will have the option to quarantine at home or a hotel

UAE launches initiative to repatriate residents holding valid visas

The initiative targets the return of nearly 200,000 people

Dubai’s Emirates denies that employees made redundant committed suicide

The airline has been forced to lay off some of its employees due to the impact of the coronavirus

Etihad

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, Aldar Properties sign retail agreement

To earn and spend miles, shoppers must connect their Visa card to their Etihad Guest mobile app

UAE’s recovery may be mix of U- and V-shapes, minister says

The country has a pipeline of federal infrastructure projects worth Dhs20bn

No acquisition by US-based bank, clarifies Dubai lender Emirates NBD

The bank stated that 101,731,408 of its shares were purchased by 254 unique investors on May 28

Hotel Data Cloud

UN recognises Dubai tech startup for efforts to spur tourism industry

Hotel Data Cloud also disseminates information regarding hotels’ ongoing precautionary measures to protect against the Covid-19 virus

coronavirus

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 479 cases, 2 deaths; Saudi registers 3,733 cases, 38 fatalities

The death toll in the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia has risen to 286, 279 and 857 respectively

Dubai developer Nakheel reports villa sales worth Dhs223m

Ready-to-occupy, family villas at Nad Al Sheba are particularly in demand

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala posts 324% increase in 2019 income

At end of 2019, its assets under management (AUM) stood at Dhs853bn, compared to Dhs840bn in 2018

Five minutes with…Eugenie Dronneau, founder and CEO, FoodKarma

The platform, which launched in March, aims to minimise food wastage

Oman Muscat

Oman to extend tourist visas until March 2021; protocols to reopen airports complete

All tourist visas issued from March 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020 are eligible for the extension

Emirates announces four repatriation flights to Cairo from Dubai

The flights will depart from Dubai to Cairo on June 14, 18, 19 and 21

coronavirus

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health launches platform to supports virus-related research

The ‘National Registry for COVID-19’ platform will facilitate scientific discoveries and provide real-time virus updates

Will access to Zoom, other VoIP services continue in the UAE? TRA responds

In March, the TRA had said several apps would be available for free due to the Covid-19 situation

Sheikha Bodour launches Dhs1m fund to empower UAE publishers amid virus fallout

The Emirates Publishers Association will communicate with Emirati bookmakers and guide them on how to avail the provisions

Covid-19 impact on the GCC’s real estate sector: Are there any housing concerns?

How can real estate developers in the GCC adapt to the upheaval that the coronavirus has caused across the region?

Founder of Bahrain’s Investcorp Nemir Kirdar dies

Kirdar founded the company in 1982 and led it for over three decades

Coronavirus Testing Laboratory

UAE reports 603 new cases; stops use of hydroxychloroquine for serious Covid-19 patients

The total number of cases detected in the country has risen to 40,507

Abu dhabi uae capital flag

UAE Central Bank projects economic recovery in second half of 2020

Non-oil growth is projected to contract by 4.1 per cent in 2020 due to the adverse implications of Covid-19

Etihad’s Travel Voucher offers 50% cash bonus on tickets booked until June 24

The vouchers are valid for two years

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi reports 3,717 cases; 36 deaths; Kuwait registers 683 cases

The death toll in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait has risen to 819 and 275 respectively

Outward personal remittances from the UAE in Q1 2020 increased 7.8% y-on-y

The top five destination countries for remittances were India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt and the US

Kuwait will not hire expats in the oil sector – minister

No expatriates will be hired for positions in Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries for the year 2020-21

Dubai’s City Centre Deira to open renovated East Court amid Dhs377m redevelopment project

The redevelopment project is in response to a shift in consumer preferences for personalisation and engaging experiences

Four MENA IPO deals raise $814.2m in Q1 2020

Globally, 235 IPOs raised $28.5bn in Q1 2020, compared to $15.1bn in Q1 2019