Qatar, Saudi deny immediate Israel normalisation plans

The UAE became the first Gulf Arab nation to agree to normalise ties with Israel

How countries in the GCC can enhance and secure their citizens’ wellbeing

By shifting from social welfare to social investment, governments can deliver more effective services

sharjah airport e-books

Passengers in Sharjah Airport will soon have access to e-book library

Travellers can download the books on their devices, which will then be available for 21 days for them to read

Aramco aims to partner with China on blue hydrogen, CEO says

Aramco is looking to work with China on blue hydrogen and ammonia, synthetic fuels and carbon capture utilization and storage

UAE retail forecast

UAE retail sales forecast to reach $58bn in 2021

During 2021, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to see 761,000 sqm and 293,000 sqm respectively of retail gross leasable area added to the market

International reserves increase Dhs12.6bn in UAE banking system during Nov-Jan

Cumulative balance of the country’s international reserves amounted to over Dhs519bn at the end of January 2021

E-scooter service TIER expands to Doha, Qatar

TIER’s e-scooters feature more eco-friendly swappable batteries

UAE reports 1,717 Covid-19 cases, 5 deaths

The nationwide case count has now risen to 440,355

Arabtec Holding

Arabtec confirms filing for bankruptcy in Dubai Court

The bankruptcy judge decided to appoint a panel consisting of seven experts to examine the application

Saudi-led jets strike Houthi targets in Yemen after Aramco hit

These strikes came after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked an Aramco refinery in the Saudi capital on Friday

Ooredoo eyes 30% of Indonesian market after Hutch deal completes

Ooredoo is also considering expanding its digital payments and sales segments

Ban on entry of foreigners into Kuwait remains in effect – civil aviation authority

The ban was imposed by the country on February 7 as part of measures to curb the spike in the number of coronavirus cases

Cryptocurrency Dubai DMCC

Cryptocurrency businesses can now open offices within DMCC freezone in Dubai

Cryptocurrency businesses will be offered bespoke licences by the DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai

Dubai’s World Logistics Passport initiative expands network

India, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa and others have joined the initiative in the past 12 months

UAE Covid-19 Vaccine

Free Covid-19 vaccinations in UAE reopened to all residents aged 16 and above

Barring vulnerable categories, prior appointments required for everyone else seeking to receive the jab

RTA

French-Japanese consortium wins Dubai Metro, Tram operation and maintenance contract

The contract amounts to approximately Dhs542m per annum

Scoring a goal: Following the AlUla Declaration, how will Qatar’s growth plans fare?

Normalisation of ties with the GCC, the upcoming FIFA World Cup and economic reforms are painting a positive picture for the gas-rich nation

A shot in the arm: AI in the regional healthcare journey

How AI can leverage the vast amounts of data available in hospitals to boost health outcomes

Five imperatives to capitalise on greater digital transformation returns

As many as 30 per cent of companies worldwide are well on their way to achieving complete digital transformation

Ahead of the curve: The technology of tomorrow

AI, IoT, blockchain, chatbot, 5G and AR will be crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead

Skin in the game: brands gain from gaming boom

Here’s why the sales of gaming equipment have soared in recent months

Kuwait’s DHAMAN picks InterSystems for Electronic Medical Record system

Project also includes digital infrastructure for issuance of medical health insurance policy

Oman AIr

Oman suspends flights from UK, reduces staff capacity at offices

The sultanate also prohibited the entry of passengers who departed from or transited through the UK in the past 14 days

Abu Dhabi City United Arab Emirates

Here’s how Abu Dhabi is powering its smart government services

By developing partnerships with big tech companies like Microsoft, the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) is revolutionising the way people interact with the government

Covid-19 update: UAE reports 2,101 cases, 10 deaths

The nationwide case count has now risen to 434,465

UAE schools

No decision yet on model for next academic year – UAE Ministry of Education

It came after media reports this week stated that the authorities in the country had decided to extend the hybrid learning system into the next academic year

Vadim Fedotov, CEO and co-founder of Bioniq

Interview: Vadim Fedotov, CEO and co-founder of bespoke micronutrients producer bioniq

Bioniq, a personal health management startup which recently entered the UAE, uses AI and machine learning to offer bespoke nutrition supplements

Amazon to add 11 new buildings to its Saudi fulfillment, delivery network

Investment to create over 1,500 additional jobs across Saudi Arabia

Walid El-Hindi Shuaa Capital

Shuaa Capital appoints Walid El-Hindi as CEO of real estate division

Shuaa’s real estate investment portfolio is reported to be worth over $11bn

Saudi’s AlUla airport receives inaugural flynas flight from Riyadh

Flynas will operate two weekly flights between Riyadh and AlUla on Wednesdays and Saturdays