Employee engagement

Insights: Businesses reaping rewards through employee engagement

With organisations around the globe placing employee engagement at the centre, both employee and employer have huge opportunities to grasp the full potential leading to a happier workforce

Tech Awards

Nominations now open for GB Tech Awards 2022

The awards will be held on October 12 at Headlines, Dubai alongside the region’s largest tech event Gitex Global

Low-cost carriers

How regional low-cost carriers are flying high amid travel recovery

The Middle East’s budget carriers are cashing in on the growing trend for affordable luxury and increasing demand

Emaar Properties’ board recommends scrapping foreign ownership limit on shares

The developer has also recommended to increase the company’s share capital to Dhs8.838bn

premium smartphone

Eyeing the prize: OPPO targets premium smartphone market

With global smartphone sales largely flat after a decade of almost exponential growth, 2021 was a watershed year for OPPO

Real Estate

How artificial intelligence is transforming the UAE’s real estate market

Alex Galtsev, CEO and founder at Realiste explains how the technology simplifies and streamlines the user experience

Abu Dhabi blockchain

Abu Dhabi outlines blockchain and virtual assets strategy

The Abu Dhabi Blockchain and Virtual Assets Committee emphasised the significance of regulating blockchain and virtual asset operations to adhere to anti money laundering

Gold heads for narrow weekly gain as investors brace for Powell

Spot gold slipped 0.2 per cent to $1,755.35 an ounce as of 9.04am in Singapore, paring the weekly gain to 0.5 per cent

Saudi Arabia

Wizz Air to launch 20 new routes between Saudi Arabia, Europe

The new flights will connect the Saudi capital as well as major cities with European destinations including Bucharest, Budapest, Milan, Naples, Rome, Venice and Vienna

dubuy.com adds Al Ain Farm products to its offerings

Al Ain Farms to offer dairy products in Africa through DP World’s DUBUY.com

Dubuy.com connects 10,000 registered customers to 2,000 registered vendors and facilitates the trade of 1.4 million products on a daily basis

Dubai’s RTA introduces rail automated system to enhance paperless transactions

A total of 11 business modules were identified as having the greatest need for digitisation as part of the project

Fazeela Gopalani

ACCA Middle East’s Fazeela Gopalani on the association’s mandate and ‘Women in Finance’

The head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (Middle East) says everyone has a role in ensuring a level playing field for the next generation of leaders

Fitbit wearables

Fitbit launches three new wearables – Inspire 3, Versa 4 and Sense 2

The devices will be available in September across leading local retailers and shall include a six-month premium membership

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Opens

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait opens, making it Hilton’s third property in the country

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment, and luxury lifestyle destination, and 15-minute drive away from Kuwait International Airport

Bicycles and electric bikes

Abu Dhabi: Violators of bicycles, electric bikes regulations to face fine b/w Dhs200-500

The goal is to implement the highest standards of security and safety

Matrixian Group

Matrixian Group raises $2m in funding from Pride Capital Partners

The funding will be used for scalable growth and both firms will look for strategic acquisitions together

Emirates Auckland flights

Emirates to operate direct A380 services to Kuala Lumpur, Auckland from December

The airline currently operates to both cities with a linked Boeing 777-300ER service

Seera Group announces Q2 2022 results

Saudi travel services provider Seera Group reports strong growth in Q2 2022

Seera Group’s gross booking value increased by 108 per cent to SAR2.5bn in Q2 2022, up from SAR1.2bn in Q2 2021

First Abu Dhabi Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank launches multiple-thematic fund

Investors will be able to access multiple investment themes focused on innovation and long-term growth

ADNOC Drilling

Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC Drilling acquires offshore jack-up rig for $70m

The company has bought a total of four premium offshore jack-up rigs this year

Gold

Gold rises as traders await key speech by Powell for rate clues

Higher rates weigh on the non-interest bearing precious metal

Oil extends gains after US exports jump amid tightening supply

Crude is heading for a weekly gain as signs of a tightening supply outlook offset concerns over an economic slowdown

Emirates-NBD-Bank joins United for Wildlife financial taskforce

Emirates NBD joins United for Wildlife Financial Taskforce, supports fight against illegal wildlife trade

The bank joins more than 50 global peers who are members of the United for Wildlife Financial Taskforce, which is dedicated to stopping illicit financial flows associated with illegal wildlife trade

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil of Burjeel Holdings and Fahad Alnaeem from the KSA ministry of Investment sign the MoU

UAE’s Burjeel Holdings to expand into Saudi Arabia with $1bn investment

Burjeel Holdings will explore investment opportunities through joint ventures and PPP models to establish healthcare offerings in the kingdom

Assets of local companies listed in financial markets rise by 10% in H1 2022

Assets of national companies listed on ADX, DFM show 10% rise in H1 2022

The banking sector was the leading contributor, with 17 banks accounting for 69 per cent of total assets

Aldar launches Yas Park Gate, its latest gated community, next to Yas Park

The homes at Yas Park Gate are designed to achieve a two-pearl rating, as per the UAE’s Estidama sustainability rating system

The Atlantis The Royal Residences poolside. This is the largest penthouse on Palm Jumeirah and sold by B1 Properties.

Dubai: Atlantis The Royal Residences’ largest penthouse sells for Dhs163m

The five-bedroom triplex penthouse on Palm Jumeirah is 25,208 square feet and includes a sky garden, two private pools and terraces, and a private elevator

Majid AL Futtaim announces H1 2022 results

Majid Al Futtaim reports 18% rise in EBITDA to Dhs1.9bn, revenue rises 15% to Dhs18bn

Majid Al Futtaim – Properties’ revenue rose 51 per cent to Dhs2.4bn, while EBITDA was up 27 per cent to Dhs1.4bn

Saudi Arabia introduces new tourism law

Saudi Arabia’s new tourism law aims to boost business, investment and innovation

Saudi Arabia recently issued the Regional Tourism Development Councils Regulation to boost tourism in areas like NEOM, the Red Sea and Diriyah Gate

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s oil exports surged to a fresh high in June

The country’s top trading partner during June was China with exports reaching SAR21bn riyals