Fintech

Fintech 2023: The year of digital transformation

As we look towards 2023, several key trends are set to redefine the fintech space

Security

Insights: Embedding cyber resilience is key to a security strategy

Being cyber resilient ensures an organisation’s ability to mitigate damage, recover and continue business processes in the face of an adverse cyber event

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches direct flights to Amman

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to launch direct flights to Amman

The new service will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to Queen Alia International Airport

UAE increases fuel prices for February 2023

UAE increases fuel prices for February 2023

Prices were increased by up to 10 per cent

Sony

Sony unveils two 4K IP-based pan-tilt-zoom cameras

Highlights of the cameras include image quality with automation, flexibility of IP, powerful zoom, remote control, and easy configuration and operation

developer portal

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank reports 55% rise in net profit for 2022

The lender reported revenue worth Dhs6.8bn in 2022, up 23 per cent year-on-year

SAS

How SAS is empowering customers to transform data into intelligence

Data and analytics can help organisations create competitive advantages and drive innovation

Sheikh Mohammed opens Arab Health 2023

More than 3,000 exhibitors from over 70 countries are showcasing healthcare technologies at the event

MohRE extends deadline to rectify private sector employment contracts

UAE’s MoHRE extends deadline to rectify private sector employment contracts

The new deadline is now December 31, instead of February 2

Emirates operates demo flight with 100% SAF

Emirates Airline operates demo flight with 100% SAF

It is the first passenger airline in the world to operate a Boeing 777 powering a GE engine with 100 per cent SAF

DIFC-based fintech firms net $559m in funding during Jan-Sep 2022

Dubai’s DIFC unveils ‘Metaverse Platform’

The platform will address metaverse policy development and legislation on open data, digital identity and company law frameworks in the metaverse

Mohammad Al Falasi AVP Emirates Flight Catering

Interview: Mohammad Al Falasi, assistant vice president, Emirates Flight Catering

Emirates Flight Catering’s AVP tells us about the company’s diversification plans including private event catering, its focus on sustainability and the growing popularity of Emirati cuisine

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s new free stopover visa: Here’s what you need to know

Visitors can apply for the transit visa, which is valid for three months, starting today through Saudia Airlines and Flynas’ electronic platforms

HPE

Women in tech: Muna Issa, sales director – High Velocity, UK, Ireland, MEA at HPE

Aspiring women leaders shouldn’t compare their journeys to others and should focus on their strengths and capabilities

HP

Hands-on review: HP Smart Tank 790 printer

The printer is designed to assist small businesses print sustainably and cost effectively

Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar until January 2024

Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar until January 2024

Cardholders who wish to enter the country must have a passport validity of at least three months upon arrival

National Bank of Kuwait reports $1.7bn in net profit for 2022

The lender’s board of directors proposed a cash dividend of 25 fils per share for the second half of 2022, bringing total cash dividends for the year to 35 fils

Volkswagen

Volkswagen targets significant EV returns from 2026

Shares in the EV car leader have jumped 44 per cent so far this year after tumbling 65 per cent during 2022

QatarEnergy acquires 30% stake in Lebanon's offshore exploration blocks

QatarEnergy acquires 30% stake in Lebanon’s offshore exploration blocks

The partnership marks QatarEnergy’s first exploration endeavour in Lebanon

UAE Banks Savings Deposits in Nov 2022

UAE banks record Dhs246.6bn in saving deposits by end of Nov 2022

Saving deposits increased during the first 11 months of 2022 by 1.98 per cent, compared to about Dhs241.82bn at the end of 2021

Apparel Group and Project Chaiwala

Apparel Group, UAE home-grown concept Project Chaiwala sign partnership

Apparel Group’s five-year plan is to grow the Project Chaiwala brand by increasing its retail footprint across the GCC

DEWA's virtual employee Rammas

Rammas, DEWA’s virtual employee, addresses 6.8 million enquiries since 2017

Rammas provides information on 200 services and features, which include managing supply, bill payment channels and general tips on sustainability, among others

UAE real estate will continue to be resilient in 2023

UAE’s real estate sector to remain resilient in 2023: JLL MENA

Delivery of around 200,000 square metres of retail floorspace last year raised Dubai’s total stock to 4.63 million square metres, with about 355,000 square metres of space scheduled to be delivered in 2023 across the city

Global Partners Property Fund I (CEIC),  a qualified investor fund based in the DIFC, raises $212m

DIFC-based build-to-rent property fund raises $212m from US, European and Dubai investors

Global Partners Property Fund I focuses on the Dubai build-to-rent housing market with two projects on the Dubai Water Canal

Yalago stats photo Dubai Media Office

Emirates Group’s Yalago records 92% rise in hotel bookings in 2022

According to the wholesale specialist, travellers are spending 30 per cent more per booking, taking on more extensive meal plans such as all-inclusive, and booking five-star hotels as a majority

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi transports over 1.2 million passengers in 2022

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi transports over 1.2 million passengers in 2022

Wizz Air currently flies to a total of 36 destinations to 25 different countries from Abu Dhabi

Bosses can ask employees to work overtime up to two hours a day

An employee’s total working hours should not cross 144 every three weeks

Dubai Investments acquires 9% stake in UK-based digital bank

Dubai Investments acquires 9% stake in UK-based digital bank

Monument Bank is focused on the overlooked ‘mass affluent’ segment in the UK

Emirates NBD arranges Egypt sukuk

Emirates NBD’s full-year profit rises 40% to $3.53bn

The lender reported a 36 per cent growth in total income, equalling Dhs32.5bn

Dubai land department offers special report

Dubai Land Department issues 9,047 permits, 6,479 licences in 2022

Dubai’s real estate sector witnessed transactions worth a record Dhs528bn in the past year, a 76.5 per cent increase from 2021