#News

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions on cinemas, gyms and restaurants

Most of the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted starting Sunday, March 7

Etihad

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad reports $1.7bn loss for 2020, passenger traffic down 76%

The airline reported $1.2bn in passenger revenues in 2020, down by 74 per cent from $4.8bn the previous year

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

covid-19 vaccine dubai

Dubai expands Covid-19 vaccine eligibility criteria

Those aged 60 and above with a resident visa issued in any emirate, but residing in Dubai, can register for the vaccine

Dubai-listed Emaar Properties and Emaar Malls announce merger plans

As part of the transaction, the existing business of Emaar Malls will be reconstituted in a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties

ADNOC Abu Dhabi

UAE’s ADNOC appoints new managing director, restructures to form executive board of directors

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has been appointed as managing director of ADNOC, in addition to his current position as CEO

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to process 100% cash refunds within a week of cancellation

The airline also offers customers the option to refund 120 per cent of the original fare in airline credit

GEMS Wellington Primary School Dubai

GEMS to close Wellington Primary School in Dubai

Its students will be shifted to GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail

Yemen

UAE provided over $6bn in assistance to Yemen since 2015, pledges another $230m

The amount will help fund international programmes that meet the medical, nutritional, and food security needs of the country

Jamal Khashoggi

Khashoggi: Saudi Arabia ‘completely rejects’ report; UAE supports kingdom

Saudi Arabia said that the US intelligence committee report, which believed that the crown prince was responsible for Khashoggi murder, contained “inaccurate information and conclusions”

Video: Saudi forces destroy missile targeting ‘civilians’ in Riyadh, debris damages house

The kingdom also intercepted and destroyed six armed drones targeting the southern region, Jazan and Khamis Mushait

Dubai Covid-19 Restrictions

Dubai extends Covid-19 restrictions until the beginning of Ramadan

Pubs and bars will remain closed, while restaurants and cafés are required to close by 1am

Emirates Dubai Health Authority

Dubai Health Authority to share Covid-19 medical records with Emirates

The two entities signed an MoU to share, store and verify passenger health information related to Covid-19 infections, testing and vaccination

Covid-19 Vaccination Masdar City Abu Dhabi

No prior appointments required for select persons at new Covid-19 vaccination centre in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City

Operated by Mubadala Health, the centre is open from Sunday to Thursday between 10am and 7pm

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

Schools Education Dubai

UAE private schools admission age changed – ministry

All students currently enrolled at private schools in the UAE will not be affected by the change

Etisalat

UAE operator Etisalat reports Dhs9bn net profit in 2020; up 3.8% y-on-y

Its consolidated revenues reached Dhs51.7bn, a 0.9 per cent decrease over the previous year

Ajman

Ajman: Restaurants and cafés to close at 11pm

Authorities said the decision was made as a new measure to combat the spread of Covid-19

IDEX NAVEX 2021

UAE Armed Forces sign over Dhs7bn deals on day two of IDEX and NAVDEX 2021

On day two, the UAE Armed Forces signed Dhs6.983bn worth of contracts with international companies, representing 95 percent of the total deal value for the day

Kuwait restrictions

Kuwait: New restrictions on malls, restaurants, and private sector offices

Starting February 24, and until further notice, entry to malls, cafes and restaurants will be barred

Saudi issues weather warnings, with possibility of snow, heavy rains in certain parts

Saudi Arabia has been seeing many incidents of snowfall this year

Oman entry

Oman to suspend arrivals from 10 countries starting February 25

Those who have visited any of these 10 countries within the preceding 14 days are also banned from entering the sultanate

Dubai Airport facial recognition technology

Dubai airport launches facial recognition technology to fast-track immigration process

Deployed at 122 smart gates at arrival and departure terminals, pre-registration is required to avail the service

Air Arabia

Air Arabia Egypt to launch direct flights from Cairo to Muscat

The carrier will launch a twice-weekly service between Cairo to Muscat, starting March 11, 2021

Kuwait adds 33 countries, including UAE, US to Covid-19 ‘high-risk’ list – reports

On Sunday, Kuwait extended its entry ban on foreign nationals indefinitely

UAE Schools Covid-19

UAE education: Onus on principals to inform health ministry of Covid-19 infections among employees, students

The Federal Public Prosecution said that it was obligatory to do so according to Article 12 of the Federal Law No 14 of 2014 concerning Prevention of Communicable Diseases

Kuwait entry ban

Kuwait suspends entry of foreigners until further notice

Kuwaiti nationals will continue to be allowed entry, but will be subject 14 days of quarantine, seven days of which will be in an institution

Abu DHabi real estate

Value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi totalled Dhs74bn in 2020, up 28% y-on-y

In 2020, there were 19,000 transactions executed, including sales and mortgages of land, buildings and real estate units for all types of land use

Dubai International Boat Show Dubai Marina

Dubai International Boat show postponed to March 2022

It will now be held from March 8-12, 2022

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi closes 325 businesses for Covid-19 infections among employees

The closures were made as part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s inspection campaigns