Tom Watson Counterculture

How the UAE has shaped its technological ambition and retained its cultural heritage

The UAE’s cultural development showcases its traditional values while embracing a modern vision

Dubai Economy issues 4,796 new licences in February 2021, registers 3.4% y-o-y growth

Bur Dubai accounted for the largest share of the new licences issued in February 2021 in terms of areas

Hamdan bin Mohammed chairs Executive Council meeting june 2019

Freeze on Dubai government fees extended until early 2023

The three-year freeze on government fees was first announced by Sheikh Hamdan in March 2018

UAE: Services extended by artists, influencers subject to VAT – authorities

The UAE government instituted a 5 per cent VAT on goods and services in January 2018

International Holding Company

Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company reports Dhs3bn net profit for 2020

IHC’s total assets increased to Dhs14bn as of December 31, 2020, from Dhs4bn a year earlier

Kuwait begins nightly curfew, mulls lifting institutional quarantine for vaccinated arrivals

A 12-hour nightly curfew – from 5pm to 5am – will be in place for one month starting Sunday, March 7

KUWAIT-HEALTH-VIRUS

Kuwait eases visa transfer restrictions for expats

The new decision allows expat government employees and those on dependent visas to transfer to jobs in the private sector

Cash dividends worth Dhs29bn proposed by 38 UAE listed companies for 2020

Banks are the largest distributors of profits

UAE’s Ministry of Economy unveils list of violations, fines for money laundering

The issuance of the violations and fines list supports the UAE’s efforts in combating money laundering crimes and financing of terrorism

Philippines to resume deployment of domestic workers to the UAE from March 31

The deployment of Filipino workers to the UAE has been suspended since 2014

Wealth fund newbie comes into focus in Abu Dhabi’s $1 trillion sovereign hub

ADQ has over 100 employees and its combined portfolio of 90 companies have more than 70,000 people working for them

First Abu Dhabi Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank approves Dhs8.08bn cash dividends for 2020

The bank recorded a a full year 2020 net profit of Dhs10.6bn

Kuwait Dubai Trade

Dubai’s trade with Kuwait reached Dhs8.52bn in H1 2020

Dubai Customs revealed the figures ahead of Kuwait’s 60th National Day which falls on February 25

UAE Govt retreat

UAE leaders discuss agenda for the next 50 years at government retreat

Leaders also personally honoured the UAE’s Hope Probe team at the retreat

UAE, Qatari delegations meet in Kuwait to follow up on Al-Ula agreement

Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states agreed to fully restore ties with neighbouring Qatar during the 41st GCC Summit

Kuwait seeks approval to use wealth fund to finance deficit

The government’s also attempting to push through parliament legislation allowing it to tap international bond markets

Online F&B sales in UAE rise 255% in 2020 – Dubai Chamber

The value of online food and beverage sales in the UAE is projected to reach $619m by 2025

Aramex

Dubai Economy partners with Aramex to offer customised solutions for startups, freelancers

Aramex will provide DED Trader licence holders with Domestic and International Express delivery solutions, and comprehensive freight services and logistics assistance

Sharjah’s Sheraa sets up new startup studio to support entrepreneurs

The studio, which will work on a revenue sharing model, will support founders in the early stages of setting up their businesses

Kuwait health minister

Kuwait warns of tougher restrictions if Covid-19 precautionary measures are not followed

Health clubs, salons, barbershops, celebration halls and tents are already closed in the country

UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure implements projects worth Dhs11.8bn

The ministry said that it is implementing 129 development projects as part of a five-year plan

Abu Dhabi Chamber inks cooperation agreement with Tel Aviv counterpart

Both sides will jointly work to extend cooperation in a number of investment sectors

Saudi to only award government contracts to firms that have an HQ in the kingdom

The new decision, which does not apply to private sector firms, will take effect from January 1, 2024

SAUDI-HEALTH-VIRUS

Saudi extends Covid-19 restrictions; gyms, cinemas to remain closed for another 20 days

The restrictions were initially put in place on February 4 for a period of 10 days

Abu Dhabi launches programme to attract expatriates

The ‘Thrive in Abu Dhabi’ initiative invites foreigners and their families to settle down in the capital emirate

AlUla agreement: What does resetting ties with Qatar mean for the GCC region?

The resumption of ties with Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt will boost the regional economy with certain sectors set to witness a significant impact

Brexit and the GCC – What lies ahead?

With Brexit having come into full effect on January 1, how will the UK’s ties with the GCC evolve?

Exchange house in UAE fined Dhs504,000 by Central Bank

The exchange house reportedly has a weak anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism compliance framework

Covid-19: Sharjah announces remote working for federal employees

The direction comes into effect February 14 onwards