Commercial Bank of Dubai

Commercial Bank of Dubai lists $600m bond on Nasdaq Dubai

The six-year bond with a 6 per cent interest rate was 2.1 times subscribed

Dubai Economy fines 3 businesses for flouting Covid-19 measures

Inspections found that 748 shops and commercial establishments fully complied with the precautionary measures

Saudi Arabia reforms labour law; grants foreign workers greater rights

New reforms will come into effect in March 2021

oil-big7

US elections: Gold drops, oil rises as results show tight race

Markets have been volatile during the final weeks of the campaign as investors fretted over the potential for a contested outcome

Sharjah

Sharjah announces new Dhs512m economic stimulus package

The package was approved by the Crown Prince of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, on Tuesday

Saudi non-oil private sector business activity improves to highest in 8 months

However, employment numbers dropped at the fastest rate since June

Oman

Oman plans to levy income tax on wealthy individuals starting 2022

The International Monetary Fund sees Oman’s economy shrinking 10 per cent this year

Nasdaq Dubai

Private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank, ICD, lists $600m sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

The five-year sukuk was oversubscribed nearly three times

Saeed Hamad Obaid Al Dhaheri

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange appoints new CEO

He was formerly appointed as CEO of Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

UAE cabinet approves Dhs58bn budget for 2021

The new federal budget is 5.2 per cent lower than the 2020 figure of Dhs61.35bn

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank ADCB

UAE’s ADCB posts Q3 2020 net profit of Dhs1.3bn; down 3% y-on-y

It reported a nine-month net profit from January-September 2020 of Dhs2.802bn, down 33 per cent compared to Dhs4.196bn in the corresponding period last year

Oman

Oman planning its biggest property trust IPO

Oman REIT Fund is planning an initial public offering that could raise about $100m

Nasdaq Dubai Growth Market

Dubai launches new stock market for SMEs

The Nasdaq Dubai Growth Market will be operational by early 2021

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority signs agreement with International Free Zone Authority

According to the agreement, new and existing IFZA companies can work from the integrated free zone technology park

UAE revamps oversight bodies to boost economy’s competitiveness

Responsibilities of the Securities and Commodities Authority will be limited to regulating and overseeing local financial markets

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai

Sheikh Hamdan unveils new Dhs500m stimulus package for Dubai

The overall value of economic support provided by the emirate in 2020 has risen to Dhs6.8bn

Kuwait parliament assembly

Kuwait’s parliament passes law to cut expat numbers

The law does not include the previously proposed quota system for expat nationalities

UAE Israel

UAE delegation led by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer signs landmark agreements with Israel

The UAE, US and Israel also established a $3bn Abraham Fund to help stimulate private sector-led investments across the region

World Bank sees 5.2% contraction in MENA, in line with IMF

The dual shock of lower Brent prices and the coronavirus pandemic this year has taken an especially heavy toll on the region

Dubai Economy, Dubai Sports Council fine 11 gyms for flouting Covid-19 measures

Violations were spotted in gyms located in Hor Al Anz, Al Qusais, Al Muhaisnah, and Al Murar areas

wedding

Weddings and social events allowed to resume in Dubai

Event halls can accommodate a maximum of 200 people while the duration cannot exceed four hours

Dubai DEWA

Dubai’s DEWA repays $1.5bn bond, turns debt-free

New projects worth over Dhs80bn are either ongoing or envisaged for completion over the next five years

Lessons learnt: How to prepare for a post-pandemic job market

The post-pandemic job market is going to be different, so one must adapt to the changes

Israel’s cabinet approves UAE pact as leaders plan meeting

No date or venue was given for the leaders’ meeting

Dubai

Dubai records Dhs551bn non-oil external trade in H1 2020

China remained Dubai’s largest trading partner with Dhs66.4bn worth of trade

OMAN-DAILY LIFE

Oman to introduce 5% VAT in April

Essential food items, medical care, education and financial services will be exempt from the planned levy

Dubai Financial Market

Dubai Financial Market announces launch partners for new equity futures platform

The new equity futures platform is slated to launch on October 18

Kuwait virus

Kuwait warns against gatherings, mulls possibility of stricter measures to stop virus spread

Police officers remain “on the highest alert” to deal with any violation on the ban on gatherings