Open skies debate back as Qatar Airways launches Atlanta service

The airline has started a daily direct route between Doha and Atlanta

Dubai launches world’s largest concentrated solar power project

The 1000MW project will include five individual facilities

Saudi Binladin Group selling off property, other assets to pay workers

Workers reportedly protested outside Saudi Binladin’s offices again this week following non-payment of their dues

Saudi Arabia invests $3.5bn in Uber

The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund contributed the lion’s share of the tech companies recent $5bn funding round

Etisalat, du ordered to cap mobile data bundles

The UAE’s telecoms regulator said the move aims to protect consumers from ‘bill shocks’

Dubai bank Emirates NBD in Dhs 500m digital push

The lender will the invest the amount in its digital operations over the next three years

Majid Al Futtaim announces $8bn UAE expansion

The company plans to add malls, hotels, cinemas, restaurants, Carrefour hypermarkets and leisure destinations in the country in the coming years

Aramco, GE and Cividale reveal $400m Saudi manufacturing plant

To be operational in 2020, the facility will create 2,000 jobs in the kingdom

Saudi eyes $15bn of bond sales in 2016, post-Ramadan issue

The kingdom is said to have been encouraged by Qatar’s record issue last week

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar says 75% of its Mayan project sold out

The first phase of the golf and waterfront development includes 512 units

Dubai Police plans use of robots and artificial intelligence by 2020

The emirate’s police force is exploring the use of robots to perform basic policing functions

Oman to raise up to $650m from corporate tax increase

Plans to increase the country’s corporate tax rate from 12 per cent to 15 per cent were approved last week

Chinese stowaway found on Emirates flight

The 16-year-old was found in the cargo hold of flight EK303 from Shanghai to Dubai

Abu Dhabi, Al Mal and Arqaam among Shuaa stake bidders

The stake is being sold by Dubai Group to meet debt repayments

Etihad, partners to add $9.6bn to Abu Dhabi’s economy in 2016

The airline and its partners will support over 91,000 jobs this year, finds Oxford report

Dubai’s RTA reveals Ramadan timings for parking, Metro

The RTA’s recently revised fares and timings will be applicable in most areas

No Qatar logo on new FC Barcelona kit

Qatar Airways failed to reach an agreement to extend its sponsorship of the football club

UAE court acquits American charged with insulting country

The 25-year-old woman was acquitted after she was shown to be “mentally ill”

Saudi Arabia hires HSBC banker for bond sale – report

Fahad Al Saif has become the second HSBC banker to be appointed to a government role in recent months, according to reports

80% of unemployed Saudis prefer public sector jobs

New study suggests the private sector is still unattractive to Saudis despite government efforts

WhatsApp down for users

Kuwait jails royals for insulting emir on WhatsApp

Five men including three ruling family members were sentenced to five years in jail

Saudi-Egypt causeway to enable 30 minute cross border travel

Plans for the crossing were revived during King Salman’s visit to Egypt in April

Dubai Properties launches two-tower project

Bellevue Towers will offer 300 residential units along with retail outlets in the ground floor

Dubai looks to improve fintech credentials with bitcoin technology

Emirate plans to position itself at the forefront of blockchain technology with several new initiatives

Kuwait awards $4.3bn tender for new airport terminal

Turkish firm Limak Construction is scheduled to complete the project in six years

Dubai Parks and Resorts raises Dhs 1.68bn for Six Flags park

The new theme park is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2019

UAE can set ‘example’ for global free zones

World FZO International Conference focused on opportunities for free zones to lead global innovation

Abu Dhabi to charge hotel guests new fees from June 1

Guests will have to pay a municipal fee of 4 per cent of their bill and a Dhs 15 charge per night

Emirates flight from Sao Paulo diverted after medical emergency

The flight was forced to land in Lagos after a man needed medical help because of allegedly ingesting cocaine

Former CEO of Dubai’s Deyaar sentenced for theft and fraud

The American businessman was arrested in 2008 during an investigation into financial irregularities