DIFC set to grow its fintech base with new ‘Innovation Hub’

Startups benefit from access to industry experts, mentors and partner organisations

More than half of Middle East businesses have AI roadmaps in place: study

BCG and MIT study says 58% of regional companies have an AI strategy in place

Dubai’s Emirates Driving Institute picks Oracle Cloud for ERP, HCM applications

Emirates Driving Institute deploys Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications

No plans to hike VAT in the UAE, officials reiterate

The UAE government levied a 5 per cent VAT on goods and services in January 2018

Bahrain’s Investcorp sells eight US properties for over $900m

The properties were garden and townhome-style apartment buildings located in major metropolitan areas

Abu Dhabi to start trading crude futures from March

Murban crude, pumped from onshore fields, comprises more than half of the country’s output

FAA poised to lift Boeing 737 Max jet’s grounding next week

Commercial flights wouldn’t begin immediately after the FAA approves the plane for service

Oman seeks to raise billions by leveraging biggest oil block

The sultanate plans to transfer its 60 per cent stake in Block 6 from Petroleum Development Oman to a new company

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi announces rental discounts for additional private sector businesses

Beauty and hair salons, dental clinics and nurseries in the emirate can apply for a 20 per cent rebate

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Data Shows 90 Percent Effective Rate

Pfizer says vaccine prevents 90% of Covid cases in study

Only 50 million doses are expected to be available in 2020

Dubai

Dubai Police to issue permits for face mask exemptions

The application will be processed within five days, with its validity contingent on the individual’s health condition

Dubai’s real estate space: Is demand catching up?

As demand starts to rally, developers need to ensure they keep pace with the changing requirements from investors

In pictures: First passengers make maiden voyage in hyperloop pod to mark testing milestone

Josh Giegel, co-founder and chief technology officer, and Sara Luchian, director of passenger experience, were the first people to ride

Bahrain’s Investcorp invests in Wuhan’s medical testing group, Kindstar

Kindstar offers patients and physicians access to advanced specialty testing services

Vivo goes mid-range with the V20 smartphone series

V20 and V20 SE highlight vivo’s focus on design and the camera at a lower price

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,146 cases; 363 infections confirmed in Oman

The death toll in the UAE has risen to 515

data centre

Lenovo tops UAE x86 server market, IDC data shows

Lenovo market share in UAE x86 server space grows to 25.1% by revenue

Customers can now co-own an Ellington Properties’ home in Dubai through SmartCrowd

Customers can co-own residential properties and earn healthy returns on their investments, for as low as Dhs5,000

Dubai’s DMCC opens representative office in Shenzhen, China

The office will provide advisory and consulting services in a common language

Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden Holds Train Campaign Tour Of OH And PA

Will change in the US leadership impact businesses in the Middle East?

Some sectors may face a bigger impact than others, although it will not be significant, opines UAE-based entrepreneur Oweis Zahran

Abu Dhabi wealth fund culls Japan team, seeking new growth focus

It will continue to invest in Japanese equities but only through its external managers

UAE oil reserves total 97.8bn barrels in 2019

Natural gas production in the UAE reached 109.8 billion cubic feet in 2019

Technology

Abu-Dhabi’s G42 signs agreement with AIQ and Schlumberger for AI solutions in oil and gas industry

AIQ data scientists will develop AI modelling and supercomputing solutions using Schlumberger’s open cloud-based software platforms

Etihad

Major restructuring among top management at UAE’s Etihad airline

The airline will position itself as a mid-sized, full-service carrier

Over 2,000 UAE teachers join ‘Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts’ rank

UAE educators make up one in 10 out of 20,000 worldwide

SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST FORMULA 1 IN 2021 - JEDDAH CORNICHE

Formula 1: Saudi Arabia to host race in 2021

The kingdom will become the 33rd country to host an F1 race

Amazon.ae unveils sales deals for November 11

Prime members will get 12-hour early access to deals, in addition to free next-day delivery and free international shipping from Amazon US

Key elements that differentiate the future of smart offices in the region

Cloud video conferencing is now a core capability

Bahrain

Bahrain boosts access to funding for SMEs, startups

Changes in law allows small enterprises to fundraise via convertible notes and employee shares schemes