Dubai to raise bonds privately to bolster finances

The emirate raised Dhs1bn through a private placement of eight-year Islamic bonds at a rate of 4.71 per cent earlier this month

Burj Khalifa[2] dubai

Dubai likely to start opening up for tourists in July

The reopening will likely start gradually and could be delayed until September, depending on global trends

Lucid Motors

Electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors enters UAE and Saudi Arabia

The Saudi PIF-backed company is expected to begin deliveries of its Lucid Air model next year to customers in the Middle East

Dubai’s Hala service partners with Sweetheart Kitchen to offer free meals

Over 500 three-course meals will be provided to Hala captains via the initiative

Majid Al Futtaim launches Dubai’s ‘first’ in-store hydroponic farm

The farm spans 24 square metres and can accommodate up to 16 varieties of leafy greens and herbs

Abu Dhabi mall employees to be tested for Covid-19; new guidelines for customers visiting shopping centres

The testing of the employees would be carried out in coordination with the Department of Health (DoH)

doctors

UAE reports 490 new Covid-19 cases, 6 deaths

Since the outbreak, the country has reported a total of 10,839 Covid-19 cases

coronavirus

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi reports 1,289 cases

Saudi Arabia has reported a total of 18,811 Covid-19 infections since the outbreak

Dubai reduces instant licence fee by over 90 per cent to Dhs250

For existing licence holders, the new fee will apply at the time of renewals

Google reveals how Covid-19 has impacted mobility in the GCC

The average mobility reduction for the GCC region during Q1 2020 was 34.1 per cent

Discovery Gardens

Dubai Discovery Gardens’ tenants to receive rent deferrals, waivers

Restaurants whose services are restricted to delivery-only are offered a two-month rent-free period for April and May

Etihad Ramadan box

Etihad to distribute Ramadan boxes to healthcare workers in the UAE

Via the Zomato app, anyone who has been medically or financially impacted by the virus can also request for the box

Bee’ah launches disinfection pods to optimise safety amid virus concerns

There is also the option to mount a thermal scanning system at the entrance of the disinfection pods to undertake contactless monitoring of body temperatures

How businesses will reinvent themselves in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Lack of labour availability, disrupted supply chains and other impacts will require serious appraisal if organisations are to effectively deliver their reshaped services to customers

Abu Dhabi’s NMC Health to delist from London Stock Exchange; UAE to seize founder BR Shetty’s assets

NMC Health said last month that they had uncovered $2.7bn of debt hidden from its board, doubling its borrowings to around $5bn

LinkedIn Ramadan campaign

LinkedIn launches first-ever Ramadan campaign from the Middle East

Members can post their thoughts and stories of kindness using the hashtag #MonthOfKindness throughout the holy month

Abu Dhabi’s main refinery makes China sales push after servicing

Prior to the pandemic, the plant had been mostly targeting Europe for sales of low-sulfur diesel and jet fuel

DAFZA announces incentives to support freezone companies

DAFZA will also cancel fines issued to companies

Saudi Arabia changes law for juvenile offenders in the kingdom

Minors will no longer face the death penalty

Bahrain launches virtual mall with 100 stores amid Covid-19 concerns

The government-run website showcases products from over 100 local businesses

Dubai Silicon Oasis disinfection tunnel

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority develops Covid-19 disinfection tunnel

The disinfectants used are safe, environmentally-friendly and fully compliant with Dubai Municipality’s guidelines

Safa Al Hashem kuwait

Kuwaiti MPs call for stricter rules for expats to get driving licences

MP Safa Al-Hashem claimed several expats present fake contracts stipulating high salaries as a means to obtain a driving licence

Saudi signs $265m deal with China to fight virus

The deal will provide the Saudis nine million kits with a capacity to test 50,000 people per day

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet offers deep discounts and order-from-home on its cars in the UAE

Customers can complete the entire purchasing process online without visiting the showroom

saudi arabia coronavirus

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi reports 1,223 cases; UAE’s case count crosses 10,300

Since the outbreak, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reported 17,522 and 10,349 cases respectively

UAE’s Air Arabia operates repatriation flights from Pakistan

Two special flights operated between Lahore and Multan in Pakistan and Sharjah

UAE reports 536 new Covid-19 cases, total cases cross 10,000

The ministry also reported five new fatalities, thereby raising the total death toll up to 76

Dubai’s DIFC says employers can reduce pay during Covid-19 crisis without employee consent

The new directives will remain effective from April 21 – July 31, 2020

Dubai carrier Emirates expedites processing of refund requests

The airline has nearly half a million refund requests pending to manage

UAE completes transfer of the Hope Probe to launchpad in Japan

The Hope probe’s mission to Mars will start in mid-July 2020 from the Tanegashima Space Center, and is expected to reach the Red Planet’s orbit in the first quarter of 2021