UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch on Gulf states tour

Badenoch’s trip comes as the total trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high of GBP61.3bn in 2022

UAE Minister of State for foreign trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

UAE, Malaysia agree to launch CEPA negotiations

The UAE has so far concluded four CEPAs with India, Israel, Indonesia and Turkey and the first two have already come into force

Qatar sets up a $275m market-maker fund

Qatar allots $275m to a new market-making programme

The initiative will help enhance liquidity in the market, improve price discovery and diversify the capital markets

Etihad Rail and Uber sign MoU photo credit Uber

Etihad Rail, Uber sign MoU to jointly bolster integrated mobility services

The companies will look at integrating e-hailing services and explore the possibility of creating an Uber dedicated pickup and drop-off area for passengers within stations

Healthcare facilities

Abu Dhabi temporarily closes two healthcare facilities over several violations

The violations include failure to adhere to safety procedures, use of expired materials and tools, and non-compliance with the standards for medical waste disposal

Investment Authority Qatar

Builder.ai announces $250m Series D led by Qatar Investment Authority

The funding round included participation from existing and new investors including Iconiq Capital, Jungle Ventures & Insight Partners

Saudia

AI takes flight: Saudia, Accenture collaborate to develop over 260 new digital services

All the digital systems developed by Accenture will be designed specifically for the airline, increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, President-Designate of COP28, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, and Michael R. Bloomberg. Image credit: IRENA

Bloomberg Philanthropies, IRENA announce new COP28 partnership

The partnership will allow Bloomberg Philanthropies to support IRENA in its efforts to drive adoption of renewable energy in the lead up to COP28

ADFD investments in 2022 Photo GettyImages-1430804172

Abu Dhabi development fund sees financing, investments cross Dhs189.7bn in 2022

According to its annual report, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s investments benefitted 104 nations last year

insurance company

CBUAE removes board of directors of insurance company

It is replaced it with a temporary committee of experts for six months

MoF issues Ministerial decisions related to corporate tax Photo WAM

UAE corporate tax: MoF issues 3 new ministerial decisions

According to the ministry, the three new decisions aim to enhance the flexibility of UAE’s corporate tax regime and ensure a supportive business environment for all sectors

International Space Station receives Saudi astronauts after their maiden space flight. Image Credit: NASA TV

Rayyanah Barnawi, Ali Al Qarni’s first day at the International Space Station

The Axiom 2 mission brings together three Arab astronauts on board the ISS for the first time in history

The aircraft, 9H-FIVE, pronounced Nine-Hotel FIVE, will be based in Dubai (Image: Supplied by FIVE Hotels and Resorts)

Dubai’s FIVE Hotels introduces private jet charter service

The ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft, 9H-FIVE, will be based in Dubai and has an approximate flying range of 12 hours

SeaWorld Yas Island underwater Zoo

SeaWorld Yas Abu Dhabi opens with a star-studded event

The park is home to inspiring entertainment, exciting rides and attractions as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences

Seychelles (Image: Sourced from Qatar Airways Newsroom)

Qatar Airways signs codeshare with Air Seychelles

Qatar Airways will place its code on Air Seychelles’ operated flights between Mahé and Praslin

ministry - uae national day holiday

UAE foreign ministry announces name change

The authority will now be known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Rajasthan Royals

Saudi’s NEOM partners with India’s Rajasthan Royals for first ever cricket programme

The pilot programme aims to facilitate an active and healthy lifestyle within the growing workforce, forecast to reach 60,000 people by the end of the year

Dubai government debt burden

Dubai’s debt burden to drop to 51% in 2023, says S&P Global

The government’s debt stock could fall even faster if the reduction in nominal debt continues over the coming years

Azulik AlUla resort image courtesy RCU

Saudi Arabia’s RCU to open AZULIK AlUla, a new eco-luxury resort

The eco-luxury resort, which will feature 76 villas, is scheduled to be launched by 2027

ADNOC L&S IPO

ADNOC raises size of its logistics unit IPO on heavy demand

The maritime logistics firm expects the final offer price to be announced on May 26, after the book-building process

The Eternal Pink diamond unvelied at Dubai's DDE. Image Credit: DMCC

World’s largest ruby, most vivid pink diamond unveiled in Dubai

The unveiling of the pink diamond and the ruby highlights Dubai’s leading role in the diamond industry and growing presence in coloured gems

NEOM

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company closes $8.4bn deal for production facility

The green hydrogen production plant is currently being built at Oxagon in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM region

UAE Weather rain

UAE weather: Rain hits parts of the country; Orange alert raised

Residents are advised to take precautions and avoid flooded areas for their safety

TAQA, Uzbekistan power generation

TAQA to explore investments worth $3bn in Uzbekistan’s energy sector

The investment opportunities include new and existing power plants as well as associated power infrastructure with a combined value of more than $3bn

Minor Hotels signs agreement with Saudi's Tourism Development Fund (Image: Supplied by Minor Hotels)

Minor partners with Saudi’s Tourism Development Fund

Multiple properties from brands including Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks will open across different regions within the kingdom

Tam Development founder and CEO

Saudi’s TAM Development opens IPO subscription on Nomu-Parallel Market

The price range has been set between SAR100 and SAR130 per share, with 85,600 shares on offer representing 16 per cent of company’s share capital 

Saudi astronauts head to International Space Station. Image Credit: UAE Space Station

Saudi astronauts embark on landmark space mission: Watch liftoff

Saudi Arabia’s historic mission signifies the nation’s commitment to advancing space exploration under the ambit of the Vision 2030 national agenda

ACWA Power Riyadh Headquarters Office

ACWA Power, PIF unit jointly invest $3.25bn in three solar projects

The new solar projects, which will be jointly owned with ACWA and PIF’s Badeel, will have a combined production capacity of 4.55 GWac

UBF

UAE Banks Federation confirms 100% spike in use of digital banking channels

According to a survey conducted by UAE Banks Federation, the county ranked second globally in terms of customer confidence in banks at 84 per cent in 2022

WeWork

Productivity: How to manage your energy efficiently

You can maximise your efficiency by managing your energy. These daily rituals will help