Robot technology deployed to disinfect Abu Dhabi airport, screen passengers

The robot will be deployed throughout Abu Dhabi International Airport including staff areas and cargo facilities as well as cabins on passenger aircraft

gavel

Covid-19: Should the principle of force majeure be applied in the current crisis?

A recent ruling in a French court qualified the Covid-19 pandemic as a force majeure event

Saudi Arabia wealth fund builds team to hunt for global bargains

The PIF is looking into “any opportunity” arising from the economic wreckage of the crisis

Message from the top: Reem Al Shihhe, COO, DIFC Courts

As companies across the GCC tackle the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, regional business leaders reveal insights on what their organisations are doing and offer advice on how to deal with the current crisis

saudi arabia riyadh

Saudi bank earmarks $2.4bn to help small businesses

The funds will be used to support 6,000 businesses in their financing needs

Saudi finance minister says country looking at ‘painful’ measures, deep spending cuts

He added that state oil revenue has decreased by more than half, and non-oil revenue will decrease as well

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways slashes workforce to cut costs on virus

The company has about $100m in cash reserves and isn’t currently talking to banks about financing or seeking government aid

Finablr uncovers $1bn in hidden debt as UAE’s NMC Health scandal widens

The London-listed company, Finablr, had a market value of GBP77m when it was halted from trading in March, down from a peak of GBP1.5bn in December

UAE reports 561 new Covid-19 cases, 121 recoveries as testing intensifies

The new cases were detected following over 36,266 tests conducted to screen for the virus

Message from the top: Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

As companies across the GCC tackle the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, regional business leaders reveal insights on what their organisations are doing and offer advice on how to deal with the current crisis

social media

What’s trending socially in the GCC

Here’s an overview and analysis of the latest social media news and trends in the GCC

Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center

UAE reports 557 new Covid-19 cases; Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center receives patent for breakthrough treatment

All the 73 patients who underwent the stem cells treatment have now recovered from the virus

UAE fuel delivery service Cafu registers around 40% increase in orders as lockdown eases

The increase has been attributed to a behavioural change among users, with an increasing number of customers opting for contactless service options

Emirates to organise special repatriation flights in May from Dubai to five countries

The one-way special flights will allow outbound travel of residents and visitors in the UAE wishing to return to their home countries

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi registers 1,351 infections; UAE reports 552 cases

The death toll in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has risen to 105 and 162 respectively

Dubai carrier Emirates protects and prepares its wide-body fleet

Currently around 75 Emirates aircraft, both passenger and freighter, are taking to the skies, carrying people for repatriation and cargo for essential reasons

Private sector salaries must be paid on time – UAE labour ministry

Employers must abide by the Ministerial Decree No. 739 of 2016 that safeguards employees’ wages and which mandates that employment contracts are honoured

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair launches Covid-19 fund for refugee education

The fund focuses on refugees living in overcrowded camps, informal tent settlements and congested host communities where access to online education is currently out of reach

UAE pharma Julphar resumes exports to Saudi after suspension

The kingdom banned Julphar’s products in September 2018 for failing to meet regional standards

Abu Dhabi shelves sale of $2bn private equity book due to coronavirus

The sovereign wealth fund is estimated to have about $580bn under management

Abu Dhabi’s Waha to invest bulk of $200m in US stocks

Waha Capital posted a loss of Dhs616m for 2019

Abu Dhabi F1 race scheduled to take place in December

The exact dates of the final race of the season has not yet been revealed

sharjah airport

Registration opens for Indians in the UAE seeking to return home

Officials said the decision on resumption of passenger flights to India “will be taken in due course”

UAE Coronavirus

UAE builds four new Covid-19 field hospitals in the Northern Emirates

These hospitals are located at Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah

coronavirus

UAE reports 549 new Covid-19 cases, says none of those recovered have been re-infected

The death toll has now risen to 98

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi reports 1,325 new cases; Kuwait death toll rises

Since the outbreak, Saudi Arabia has reported 21,402 Covid-19 cases, while in Kuwait, 3,740 people have contracted the virus

UAE petrol prices for May declared

Super 98 petrol will cost Dhs1.91 per litre, while Special 95 is priced at Dhs1.80 per litre

Abu Dhabi City United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi’s ADQ acquires 100% ownership of National Petroleum Construction Company

ADQ assumed complete ownership of NPCC after acquiring 30 per cent shares previously held by Consolidated Contractors International Company

Etihad

Etihad announces flights to 15 international destinations from Abu Dhabi in May

Emiratis wishing to return home from any of the foreign destinations where Etihad is flying to should contact their local UAE embassy or consulate

Audi Volkswagen Middle East Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services

Audi and Volkswagen supply SUVs to Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services

The vehicles are being used to transport critical equipment, medical supplies and meals to team workers and their families living in the UAE