Saudi’s Unifonic closes $125m Series B round to drive expansion

This funding marks SoftBank’s first direct investment in a Saudi-based company

Cybersecurity

UAE organisations report increased cyberattacks during the pandemic: research

The data also shows that there is a lack of understanding about the definition of phishing

iPhone 13

Apple unveils iPhone 13 series; UAE prices revealed

Pre-orders begin on September 17 at 4pm, with units available a week later on September 24

UAE seeks $1 trillion in business with Israel over next decade

The UAE was looking at sectors including defense, energy and food security

DAFZA

UAE’s Mashreq Bank signs MoU with DAFZA to boost SME growth

DAFZA companies will also be given priority access to digital banking services through Mashreq’s NEOBiz platform, where they will be able to open instant accounts

Alpha Dhabi’s company lists on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange second market

Response Plus Medical Holding specialises in medical emergency transfers from remote work sites with over 260 medical facilities

Anti-viral drug Sotrovimab found effective for Covid-19 treatment in the UAE – SEHA

The UAE was one of the first countries in the world to receive a shipment of Sotrovimab in mid-June

UAE non-oil trade

UAE’s non-oil trade recorded at Dhs1.403 trillion in 2020

The UAE’s non-oil exports grew 10.1 per cent year-on-year in 2020 to Dhs254.6bn

UAE startup Beanburds uses augmented reality to transform online shopping

Beanburds is the first UAE brand to launch augmented reality to redefine the coffee retail experience

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar-ADQ consortium offers to purchase up to 90% stake in Egypt’s SODIC

The consortium is offering a purchase price of EGP20 per share, valuing the company at $453m

Mayo, Google develop a new AI algorithm to treat psychiatric illness

Mayo Clinic researchers developed a set of paradigms that simplify comparisons between effects of electrical stimulation on the brain

European Commission approves continuous export of UAE camel milk to 27 EU countries in 2021

Currently, the MOCCAE is liaising with Chinese authorities to obtain their approval for exporting UAE camel milk and its products to China

UAE reports 617 Covid-19 cases, 2 deaths

The total number of recorded cases has risen to 730,135

Dubai’s Emirates to introduce daily A380 service to Istanbul next month

The carrier is the world’s largest operator of A380s, with 118 currently in its fleet

Air Arabia

Air Arabia to launch new service from Sharjah to Uganda

The direct flights will be operated thrice weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Unit 2 of Barakah nuclear energy plant connects to UAE’s transmission grid

Unit 2 will add a further 1,400MW of clean electricity to the grid when at full capacity

Dubai’s Emirates launches virtual reality app in Oculus store

Customers can navigate through economy, business and first class cabins, explore their seats, as well as the onboard lounge and shower spa on the Emirates A380 using navigational hotspots

UAE Central Bank

UAE Central Bank issues new guidance on transaction monitoring and sanctions screening

The guidance came into effect on Monday, September 13, with licensed financial institutions being given a month to demonstrate compliance

Saudi Arabia Airport

Saudi updates rules for airline passengers arriving from non red-list countries

Those who are not vaccinated or have received only one dose will need to undergo institutional quarantine for five days

Cisco commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040

Cisco will establish other near-term emissions-reduction targets for its most material emissions sources in support of their 2040 net zero goal

Saudi Arabia

Dentsu expands Merkle MENA with its launch into Saudi Arabia

Merkle aims to tap into the fertile digital transformation landscape in the kingdom, while also being in a position to better serve its existing clients across the Middle East

Emirates NBD Group, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mastercard launch new card programmes

The limited-edition cards are designed to enhance the Expo 2020 Dubai experience for both residents and visitors

Covid-19 update: UAE reports 632 cases, 705 recoveries

The total number of recorded cases has risen to 729,518

Standard Chartered closes transition trade facility

Standard Chartered executes first green trade finance facility in UAE

The bank has executed the facility to support Amplus Energy Solutions

Pilot error, systemic failure likely caused Air India crash

The pilot failed to follow a standard “go-around” procedure that discontinues an approach to a potential unsafe landing

The role of auditors in fighting fraud

In the Middle East, issues relating to fraud and corruption are of concern because of the lack of anti-fraud legislation in place

Lulu SirajPower solar energy

Lulu to open 1MWp solar carport at its hypermarket in Dubai’s Silicon Oasis

The solar carport covers an area of 7,209 sqm and will produce 1.7 GWh of clean energy annually, offsetting more than 1,205 metric tons of carbon emission

Kuwait’s expat population down by 56,000 in the first half of 2021 – report

The total number of expats in Kuwait stood at 3.154 million at the end of June

ADNOC Drilling sets offer price per share for IPO

ADNOC Drilling is expected to list on the ADX on or around October 3, 2021

Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad upgrades its Verified to Fly service

The service allows passengers to upload and check that they have all their relevant Covid-19 documentation in place prior to their flight